How do you start your day? Our first moments likely impact our thoughts and attitude for the rest of the day. Our Jewish friends begin the day with the “Modeh Ani.” This short prayer, recited before getting out of bed, acknowledges the greatness of God and the Giver of life. It goes like this:
I offer thanks to You, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great.
The day is fresh and begun in grace. We have done nothing to deserve another breath, yet we have been given another day.
The greatest of rabbis awaken each day with these lines and thank God for their sight as they open their eyes, for life-giving breathe, for their feet as they hit the floor. It is also taught to children because of its simplicity and core virtue.
My mind needs to be trained to do the same thing. Gratitude is not a feeling, it is a discipline, but a discipline that will eventually change my heart as I begin the day acknowledging something greater than myself. Life is not about me, but the Creator of the universe and the Lover of my soul.
Morning is my favorite time, but do I greet God with gratitude? As I lay in bed, the aroma of coffee ought to point me to praise God for the joy of smell; the early light for eyes that see; the barking dog for ears that hear. I want to pause before my mind tackles the day so I don’t take those things for granted.
Abba, give me childlike wonder, simple but true. Help me start the day with thankfulness and awe so that it follows me throughout the day. And let this grow into a habit as I learn to greet each moment with gratitude.
The Lord's mercies are not consumed, surely His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
