Reading
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31-33
Reflection
What does your morning routine look like? Are you an early riser who savors coffee and silence, or someone who wakes up at the last possible minute and rushes out the door? Maybe your mornings are shaped almost entirely by your kids and their schedules. In the season of life I’m in—with two young children—my mornings are usually a mix of the latter two: sleeping as long as I can, then scrambling to get lunches made and everyone out the door. I often feel torn between wanting rest and wanting to be productive, but more than anything, I’m left with the sense that my life doesn’t quite feel “together” in a way that satisfies my brain.
On Sunday, I was struck by a quote Pastor Mark shared from Arthur Brooks: “Your life is the most important management task you will ever undertake.” He went on to say that we can’t bless others if we don’t at least somewhat have our lives together. The key word there is somewhat. We don’t need to have it all together before God can use us to bless others. When we’re caring for young children, aging parents, or navigating work and life challenges, it’s easy to put ourselves in the “not together” category. But the truth is, most of us are far more together than we give ourselves credit for—certainly enough for God to work through us.
When I step back and look honestly at my life, I can see that, messy mornings and all, I do have it together enough—and I do have the ability to bless others, I just have to ask God to guide me.
As you close your devotional time today, take a moment to reflect: Who might God be inviting you to bless today?
Prayer
Gracious God, You created me and said I was good, knowing that some days might look messy while others look great. Remind me that you created me to be a blessing to others and guide me to people who need your love and grace in their life so that I may share your blessing with them. Amen.
