Have you ever met someone—three times? A dear, sweet, busy young mom and I have met three times now. Each time, I introduce myself to her, and each time, she states what a joy it is to finally meet me, because we have a mutual friend. She has many things on her mind, so when someone says to her, “Have you met Brenda yet?” she is undoubtedly put on the spot and her mind hurriedly tries to race back to the present instead of wondering how she’s going to accomplish everything she needs to do. She’s a genuinely kind woman, so I never take it personally when she states, “No, I don’t believe we’ve met.” I just reintroduce myself, shake her hand, and reply that I’m sure she meets many people in a week, and I say, “My name is Brenda.”

A few friends and I are reading Early To Rise: Learn To Rise Early in 30 Days, by Andy Traub, and we are taking his 30-Day Challenge to get up earlier (you don’t have to get up early—just earlier). In the midst of torrential rain, thunder, lightning, and a cloudy mind, I obediently got out of bed this morning when the alarm went off. I tried to remember exactly why it was that I wanted to get up earlier, and after heading out to the kitchen to make strong coffee, I remembered that I wanted to spend part of that “extra” time studying and meditating on Scripture.

It seemed almost ironic that today’s Scripture reading was Psalm 139. Though a familiar chapter, it contained one specific truth that hit me afresh this morning: “I awake, and I am still with You.” (v. 18, NIV) God didn’t wake up (He never slumbers or sleeps: Psalm 121) and have to remind Himself to think of me. I woke up, and He was still with me! How amazing is that?

I take great comfort in that thought. The greatest Servant of all is standing there, from my first waking moment, asking me, “How may I serve you today?” In learning more of His love for me, I cannot help but reply, “No. How may I serve You?”