BOOK ENDS
Whether we
know it or not, we all practice the rite of “book ending” our days.
In simpler
terms, book ending is how we start & end our day.
The following
scenarios are all familiar to each of us in one way or another:
-
Get out on
the wrong side of the bed, have a rotten day, go to bed grumpy.
-
Grab a
cigarette while rolling out of bed in the morning, smoke all day, one last
cigarette before going to bed.
-
Curse the
morning alarm clock, grumble all day, go to bed unfulfilled.
Thirty seconds
(I timed it) of time per day can radically change your life if you let it.
FIRST THING in
the morning, while rolling out of bed, open your arms & say (out loud or
silently) – God, this day is yours. (Or something similar as suits your
personality). (Spirit I'm yours today - use me). (Unto Thee dear Lord, I commit the day). (I give this day &
everything in it You, God). You needn’t be flashy or ecclesiastical & get all
tongue tied with Thees & Thous. Keep it simple! And remember to make your
mouth do it, regardless of how the rest of your body feels.
LAST THING at
night as you roll into bed, close your hands together & say (out loud or
silently) God, the night is Yours. (Or, whatever suits your personality)
(Unto Thee, I commit my spirit) (Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my
soul to keep…)
It literally
takes 15 seconds in the morning & 15 seconds at night. No matter how swamped we
are or where we are with our abundant lives, 30 seconds is “do-able”. And
you will be surprised at how much of a difference there is in the "middle"
of your day when you take care of the "book ends" in a positive manner.
|
BOOK ENDS
Morning
Unto Thee, O Lord,
I commit this day –
In my work and
In my play,
It’s Yours.
In all the bustle,
All the noise,
All the sorrows,
All the joys
It’s Yours.
Take the minutes
And the hours,
Fill them with
Your holy power.
They’re Yours.
Take everything
I say and do.
Make them count,
Dear Lord, for You.
Night
Unto Thee, O Lord
I commit my spirit.
The night looms long.
But I no longer fear it.
Take my spirit,
Hold it tight.
Carry me safely
Through the night.
‘til once more
Day’s sun shines through
And I can give
The new day to You.
|
connie dohan 1993
