My husband, Lance, and I are alike in some ways, but opposite in more ways.

Maybe you’ve seen the meme:  There are 2 kinds of people in the world: One says “It’s ALREADY 10 p.m. “ the other says “It’s ONLY 10 p.m.” and they marry each other. 

That describes us PERFECTLY.

I am the early bird. Lance is the night owl. There have been times when I was starting my work day, and he was going to bed.

 

Here is what I have learned over the years: One way isn’t better than the other. It is just different. 

There seems to be more of a push to wake up early with phrases like “The early bird gets the worm” … and I do see the benefit of starting the day early. BUT that doesn’t mean we all have to fit in that box. 

Trying to get my husband to wake up early is like me trying to stay up late. It’s not fair for me to expect that of him or vice versa. We certainly make adjustments when needed, but generally, we work within how God has wired us! 

How has God wired you? 

In Proverbs 6, we are instructed to consider the ant (vs 6). I’ll admit, if I see ants, I’m usually grabbing my insect spray, not trying to get life lessons from them. The passage goes on to say: “she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:8, ESV)

I would assume that most of us are not farmers, so references to seasons and harvest may not have the same impact that it did during Solomon’s time.

So, what if we were to take this concept and apply it to our “day” instead?

To help me make my point, think about this: Having just gone through Christmas, have you noticed that taking down the tree is easier than putting it up?

• When you are putting up the tree, you are thinking through how to perfectly place each ornament > Prepare. 
• When you are taking the tree down, the decorations just need to go back in the box > Gather

Now, back to the verse:

“She prepares her bread in summer” … 

When we are preparing something, our minds need to be attentive and sharp. Preparation typically requires thinking through things and processing a plan. 

When do you have the most mental and creative energy? Think of that as your summer time!

As I’ve mentioned, morning is my peak time so I plan my day accordingly. Especially on my days off, I spend my mornings doing things like writing blogs (like the one you are reading now), or putting together a teaching for an upcoming Bible study or event. 

I know that situation doesn’t apply to everyone, so for you, it might be replying to emails, creating a presentation or working on a DIY project.

Use your “summer” time to do things that require more focus and attention. But that doesn’t mean our day stops being productive when “summer” is over and the preparation is complete. 

There is still work to be done.

“… and gathers her food in harvest.”

Gather simply means to “collect”. Gathering doesn’t require as much thought as preparing. 

For me, I use the “gather” time to do tasks that don’t require the same type of deliberate thought & consideration as writing & lesson plans. For example, I wash the dishes, fold the clothes, or pay bills. In fact, while I am doing those things, I try to listen to sermons or podcasts … so I am getting things done and getting refilled & re-energized! 

Some days may have multiple cycles of summer and harvest. Just go with it. 

And when you are tired, rest. (Jesus took naps too!)

My prayer for all of us – Lord, teach us how to make the most of the time we have been given!

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NLT)

~ Anu