It's 6 a.m.
My boys are wide awake, and I’m looking for an excuse to stay in bed. Often times it's easier for me to go downstairs, throw on Netflix, lay back on the couch, and grab a few extra Zs. But this summer, with encouragement from my wife, I’ve tried to be more disciplined with our morning routine. We wake up, head downstairs, play with LEGOs, draw, and read their library books.
This gives me the opportunity to pick up any clutter leftover from last night which often includes a few Transformers from last night’s epic battle. I get the chance to cook my boys a hot breakfast, which I enjoy eating with them each and every morning before I head off to work.
During this time we get to catch up, talk about our goals for the day, and what I expect from them. This is not something new for them; we do the same thing at dinner time, but these meals feel different. It’s just me and the boys, eating bacon, and talking about our future.
We let mom sleep in a little since she’s up most nights with our newest addition.
I’m starting to enjoy these times with my boys. Do they still ask for TV in the morning? Some days. Do I still fight the urge to lay back? Sure. But here’s the thing - it’s a start. I’m taking it one day at a time. There’s so much more I would like to add to our morning routine. I want to exercise and get into the Word. I want to write, journal, and pray. I want to practice visualization and goal setting. And I want my boys to be by my side throughout this routine. These are all important activities to set the foundation for their future, and I need them now to be successful today.
I’m working on it, I’m working on our mornings. Are they perfect? Far from it, but we’re moving along and we’ll get there. I have hope for it.