Early Morning Thoughts

I've been awake since 4:30 a.m. - two hours before my alarm went off.

I wanted to get back to sleep, but instead I lay in bed with my mind wandering.

Events of the previous days.

Plans for upcoming days.

Worry.

Prayer.

Praise.

Conversations I need to have.

Finances.

Fantasies.

Satisfaction in Christ.

Hymns.

Check e-mail and Facebook.

Review 1 John 2.

Repeat.

Finally, the alarm went off.

So how well did I apply Philippians 4:8?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Certainly not 100%. But there was the convicting of the Holy Spirit through those early morning hours to get my mind back on to godly thoughts.

For that I am thankful.

"I'm pressing on the upward way.
New heights I'm gaining every day.
Still praying as I'm homeward bound,
'Lord, plant my feet on higher ground!'"