You wake up, take a minute (or twenty) to freshen up and quickly dress in that day’s attire, and head to the kitchen either to eat breakfast or to prepare it for yourself and others. Waking up isn’t easy today, because you stayed up late last night to watch a movie that a friend recommended.

Then it happens. You walk into the kitchen and see the dirty dishes (though neatly stacked in the sink), the pile of yesterday’s mail on the table, and the empty bag from the popcorn you made to eat while you watched the movie last night. Before you can even think about what to eat (or serve) for breakfast, you have to at least get the table cleared off.

Some of you are totally relating to that scenario and thinking it sounds quite awesome, because I didn’t include the kids’ backpacks strewn everywhere, the unfinished homework buried under toys and snack wrappers, or the bag of pet food that was now on the floor, having been tipped over by the toddler who had decided to ride her Big Wheel tricycle in the kitchen!

I realize that I am writing from the viewpoint of one whose husband is retired, who has no children living in the home (especially not under the age of ten), and who has a home that allows for plenty of storage and extra space. However, the quick, not-original-with-me tip I’m about to share is something that anyone can do—whether you live alone, are retired, or have a whole passel of children down the hall. Honest.

So here it is:

The best gift that I give to myself each morning is to take five minutes the night before (yes, literally five minutes) to set the table for breakfast. It’s such a huge day-maker for me that it is no longer an option as to whether or not I’m going to do it. When I walk into the kitchen first thing in the morning, I smile. I promise you—I truly stop and smile! I did this as a single woman; I do it now as a married woman; and I do it when we have a house filled with guests.

I mean, seriously. How awesome is it to walk in and already have a task done? How much easier is the start to the day when you don’t have to take time to clear, set, and prepare the table?

No spouse in your house? You are worthy of a pretty table, just like your married friends are. So treat yourself to a first-thing-in-the-morning boost by setting the table for yourself and not eating on the run! Soak in the beauty of the day, the aroma of the coffee, the flavor in your food—even if it is “grab-and-go!”

Mamas, you are amazing. You know I think that, because I tell you that often. But get those little darlin’s helping you. Make it part of the bedtime routine for the kids to help clear and set the table. It should honestly take about five minutes—no more. (Set the timer for five minutes and see if I’m telling the truth!) You may need to remind yourself of these things:

1. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Let them do it in their own age-appropriate way.
2. Make sure everyone has a part in the process. Even a toddler can put the napkins on the table. And a teen needs to take ownership in helping to keep the household functioning well. If they are planning to eat breakfast, they need to play a role in helping!
3. Make it fun by literally setting the timer. Don’t yell at them in the process. Make bedtime easier while at the same time making mornings easier!
4. Remember: even if you don’t eat breakfast together or at the same time as others in the house, it’s still a more peaceful start to the morning to have a nice place to sit and eat!

Now, sweet faith friend, don’t roll your eyes at me and call me idealistic. It can happen. My mama did it often when there were six of us living in the house. Joe and I do it daily at this stage in our lives. Try it, will you? Do it not less than three nights in a row and then feel free to stop back by this post and let me know if it’s working for you!

Oh, and yes—I took these pictures in my kitchen first thing this morning…and then decided to write this post! (i.e., This was not “staged” for this post!)

“Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit,
and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time,
fill them up with holy service.”  —Charles Spurgeon