So here I am, up since 4 AM because I must have mistakenly set my clock an hour ahead. As my family sleeps, I am quietly contemplating what to write about in my 10 minutes this morning. For me, this 10 minutes is more than a prayer, it’s a commitment to God that I will share something meaningful to me with respect to faith and inspiration.

For me, hunger is the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the wee hours of the morning. Finding something to eat drives me to wake up and to start my day. Before I settle down to eat, I usually also mutter a quick prayer of thanks. That’s how my day begins… a modest meal and a word of thanks.

How does your day begin? What are the first things that enter your mind as you stir through the morning grogginess? Where does God fit into the picture of your most deliberate actions? What I love about the early morning hours is a feeling of strength and resolve. Here I am, up before the rest of the world, preparing for the day ahead. I am ahead of schedule and it makes me feel like I can afford to take some time out and reflect on the Lord and his daily plan for me.

I read an archived blog post from passionatespirituality.com, which had a quick prayer that I think is appropriate for my start today: “God, show me what you are doing today, and how I can be a part of it.” I think it’s a perfect sentiment to ask for a moment of clarity and inspiration… and to be guided by it into the context of God’s plan for us and the world around us. God bless and have a wonderful day!