I’m An Early Riser.

I don't necessarily want to be, but it's my natural inclination. Part of my processing about social events and gatherings has to consider the level of energy I'm likely to have after 9pm. Yes, the pillow you see here is a staple on our deck. It's a joke, kind of...

So the question becomes what does one do with their wee morning hours? These are the hours before the other people are up, the sun rises or the cock crows. Sometimes I try and force myself back to sleep. Rarely it works, but sometimes I get lucky. Often I pray, read scripture or watch meaty documentaries to get my mind set on things above. Sometimes, like this morning, I find myself focused on my list of to-do's. I have several meetings today along with a significant deadline to meet on an exciting project. These wee morning hours give me a long stretch of the day to get the tasks accomplished uninterrupted. No rush. No noise or distractions. Peace.

In my younger years I tried to fix my rise-too-early flaw. I thought myself a freak of nature and social outcast for falling asleep at 9pm and waking up at 4am. But here, in my current state, I have learned to roll with it. I choose to look at these quiet hours as a gift. I treasure the gift and try to be a good steward of it.

So today will be a day I accomplish much by 7am. I will embrace the dew of the morning, catch that sunrise and thank God for another day to make an impact. If you need me I'm available, but don't call after 9pm.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP