Rise & Grind

“Do you use an alarm clock?”, a young aspiring entrepreneur asked.   

“No”, I responded unknowingly reinforcing his theory.  A theory I’ve pondered so many times since.  He believed people who build businesses don’t need a signal to wake up.  They don’t require outside motivation to start their day.  The motivation is within. 

Is that true of all creators, builders, and leaders?  Does nobody hit snooze? 

In the 3am hour, silent thoughts with loud implications start my day.  Responsibility, accountability, new ideas and curiosity are among the list of motivators that stir me to action.  Some days start with a math problem leading to economic objectives.  Others include logistics, mission alignment, team needs, customer comments, or a plan of action to accomplish what I hadn’t the day prior.    

But I have a rule, I don’t act on these thoughts until 4am.  Because 3 just seems crazy.  I begin the day at 4am with coffee, scripture reading and journaling when I know what’s best for me.  But enthusiasm or overwhelming responsibility can knock me off this rhythm of truth and reflection.  Enthusiasm is fun but overwhelm is draining and it's been winning lately.  So, I’ve started something new this season.  And like a true entrepreneur, I admit that although the intent is restful reflection, it includes an element of productivity.    

I’ve chosen to rise and shine this summer.  Why not?  It’s tried and true.  Before the morning sunrise, I grab a beach towel and a blanket and lay outside.  I have no beach or city view of the sun rising but benefit the same as our universal sun splashes color into even my backyard peephole.  Scientists tell us that blue and red-light wavelengths from the morning sun stimulate mitochondria (energy), improve sleep via circadian rhythm, boost skin health & collagen, have anti-inflammatory effects, enhance mood, and stimulate the eyes & brain. The more you look into it, I guarantee you’ll be adding red light therapy tools to your wish list.   

Gazing at the illuminated sky today and gaining all its benefits, I considered the psalm my mom often repeats, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 The Lord has made.  The Lord, a creator without an alarm clock is certainly not slave to the morning grind.  But rather purposeful and passionate.   

I considered the sun rising, the birds chirping, the morning dew, the skunk, the racoon, the cats and kitten already witnessed in my morning.  His well-organized model in motion.  Then a brisk walk around the nearby lake showcased a cardinal, crane, ducks, geese, fish and fishermen.  In the 6am hour, His creation was living wonderfully into its design, and I was only a quarter mile from my home.  The creator of the entire universe might have essential wisdom to offer this small-town community coffee shop owner.  So however I choose to enter into each day, this gift to enjoy, adventure to experience, with new challenges to conquer, I’ll be seeking ways to do it with Him. 

Are you an entrepreneur?  Do you wake to an alarm?  How are you wired?  Or inspired?  Is it calling and a cup of coffee that ushers you into rejoicing and gladness?  Tell us how that first sentence of your next paragraph gets written.  What’s your morning routine?  And while I like a good coffee pun, at least for the season, let’s do something different than the old rise and grind.  Share your favorite way to rise and shine.