Please welcome my friend Martin Wiles as today’s guest writer. Martin is the founder of Love Lines from God and serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions, Senior Editor for Inspire a Fire, and Proof Editor for Courier Publishing. He has authored six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Busy World, released in December 2019. Martin is a freelance editor, English teacher, author, and pastor.

“The early bird gets the worm.”

The expression first appeared in 1605 in a book of proverbs written by William Camden. The obvious meaning is simple: birds that rise early have the best chance of getting a worm. Late risers get poorer selections. The larger meaning is that arriving early provides a better chance of success.

I’m not sure which relative I first heard use the expression because so many of them did. I come from a family of Type A personalities—competitive, organized, time conscious. Dad arrived early everywhere he went—never right on time. I copied the pattern. If I can’t arrive at my destination at least thirty minutes early, I feel as if I’m late.

Evidently, Jesus found merit in rising early to pray.  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35 NIV).

I love early mornings. My mind is fresh, cleansed by a good night of sleep. And somehow, I feel as if I can hear God better then than at any other time. Why not give getting somewhere early a try?

Have you had an early bird gets the worm experience? If so, please comment below.

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay.