By Jenny Smith

How do you start your morning? Some of us have strict routines we follow. Others of us are lucky if we get dressed, grab a coffee and get to work on time. I know how that goes with two little ones in the house. How we start our day matters. If we feel rushed and chaotic, it’s easy for our whole day to go by in a blur. If we start our morning with some quiet and reflection, those moments overflow into our whole day.

I wrote this conversation with God one morning as a reminder that how I spend those first few moments of each day matter. God, as I wake, tell me your good news. Before the voices in my head warm up with their false stories, tell me your true story.

Before I greet my children and make oatmeal and toast that will end up more on the floor than in a mouth, tell me about your grace.

Before I shower, get dressed and put on an image for the day, tell me who I really am.

Before my to do list gets picked back up from the day before, tell me that nothing I can do today makes you love me more.

Before I make my first mistake of the day, tell me imperfection and weakness is the best place for you to work.

Before I kiss my loved ones and prepare them for the day, tell me that I’m your beloved and your love for me runs deeper than I could ever imagine. Before my day begins, I give you these moments, God. My heart, soul and mind are quieter now than they are all day. Tell me your true story each morning. I want my soul to memorize how your true story feels. Because here’s the thing, God. If I don’t pause to hear your good news first then I start to believe the easy story. Protect, defend, control, ego, pride, fear. And the easy story isn’t the true story. These first morning moments are yours, God. Tell me your good news. I’m listening.

Jenny Smith is pastor of the Marysville United Methodist Church. Her faith column runs monthly.