A Reason to Get Out of Bed Every Morning

There are times in everyone’s life, even those like me who think we are well-adjusted and flexible and optimistic, when we just do not want to get out of bed in the morning, when we feel there is no reason to get up. Those are the times I am thankful to my Mom. I thought she was strict. She made three unruly kids, in the 1940s, toe the mark. No matter how cold it was (coal furnaces, radiators that didn’t always work, East Coast freezing chill) nor how hot (damp, humid nights with mosquitoes and no air conditioning), nor how little sleep we had (alcoholic dad in the early years), she made sure we each got up, went into the bathroom, and did a full face-wash at the sink. Oh, there were days we tried to fake it - just a splash - no soap and water. But our eyes gave us away - she knew when we were not “awake” as soon as she saw us down at the breakfast table.

The thing is, she taught me the necessity of morning routine. Now, when I do not want to get up, at almost-70, when I wish I didn’t have to, I am suddenly grateful for the routine that eventually drags me up and out.

No matter how bad you think it is, no matter how empty you think your life is, if you look, there is a reason and a routine. Younger folks might have kids or jobs. Older folks might have medical reasons - certain medications, or turning on a nebulizer by a certain time of day. Someone well-off but depressed might have a pet with needs, or a garden to tend. Sometimes I force myself just to get out and pick up the morning paper before some kitty sprays it (not my kitty; one of the strays).

That routine, which we often cuss at, that routine is what puts purpose into our lives and yanks us into reality and life.

Thank you, Lord, for making sure I have a morning routine, whether I like it or not.<\ItemPage>