“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35, NIV

Nine more minutes and I’ll be ready to get up…okay, nine more, and nine more…I need nine more!

For over thirty years, I hit the snooze button every morning, struggling to face the day, be awake, and be ready. I thought nine more minutes would help me feel rested and ready, but it never did. It left me feeling rushed, irritable, and frazzled; not a great way for anyone to start the day. It was never how I wanted to feel, but I didn’t know how to truly change. I thought I was wired this way; that I just wasn’t a morning person.

But then, two years ago, someone suggested that I start imagining Jesus in the flesh sitting at my kitchen table waiting to have coffee and conversation with me. Wow! What an impact this idea had on me! Who would hit the snooze button if they knew Jesus was at their house, sitting at their table, waiting to have a conversation? There’s no way I would make Him wait any longer for me or miss the opportunity!  

Now, when I’m tempted to get nine more minutes of sleep, I remember Who’s at the table! I usually wake before my alarm, and I can’t wait to meet with Jesus! This time of solitude leaves me feeling well rested, peaceful, more content, forgiven, and ready to do KINGDOM work!

Like any relationship, the more time we spend with God, the greater our connection becomes. I encourage you to carve out a time of solitude in your day to meet up with Jesus—He’s waiting for you! 

Dear Jesus, thank You for modeling solitude. I’m grateful that I was encouraged to stop snoozing and start taking the opportunity to start my day with You. Thank You for meeting each of us right where we are physically, mentally, and spiritually. You always show up and are always on time to meet with every one of us. I pray that Your example will encourage others to find a time of solitude each day. In Jesus name, Amen.

Copyright Katie Novitzki.

Katie is a Christian Educators member and a special education teacher in Minnesota.