Morning Routines: Just Like A Tarp
(This is the third installment in a series entitled “Morning after Morning.” Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2)
I grew up doing a lot of camping. Camping was a family event at times, and I also spent many weekends camping with Boy Scouts. Now I am teaching my boys to love camping. I love the outdoors and camping seems to bring me closer to God. It is probably the fact that I am closer to nature and more in touch with God’s creation without the distractions of being in our modern world. There is something rejuvenating about slowing down when the sun sets and getting up when it rises to shine in the morning. But camping isn’t always sunshine and roses, there are certain things that can be destructive and uncomfortable. You can get around these things with some planning and good tools and gear. One piece of gear that I never took a full appreciation for is a tarp. I usually use tarps for 2 protective tasks.
The first is keeping your tent from tearing and getting water in it. Putting a tarp under your tent protects it from the rocks and sticks (because I can never seem to find every one when I clear the spot) and helps it keep water from coming inside. Your tent is expensive; a much cheaper tarp can go underneath to keep the tent floor from tearing. The second way a tarp is usually used is to protect from wind and rain. A couple ropes or bungee cords combined with a tarp provide great protection for you or your gear.
How does a tarp apply to your daily routine? Even though it is simple and cheap, using a tarp when you go camping provides comfort, protection and extends the life of your other camping gear. Using a simple method every day to read the Bible, reflect and pray will provide comfort, protection and make your life better.
I’ve created an acronym using TARP to focus your thoughts during your daily Bible reading and reflection. Walk through each letter of TARP to focus and provide quality and protection to your life.
TARP:
T stands for Thankful. Start with 2-3 things you are thankful for today. Being thankful allows your mind and spirit to be receptive to what God has for you each day. With all the stress and distractions in the world today, we often forget the blessing we have. This first step refocuses your mind with what you already have.
Write down what you are thankful for today.
A is for Aware. Be aware of what God has put in the scriptures for you to read. The words of the Bible were written thousands of years ago and are still relevant for our lives today. Many scriptures seem to be outdated or not applicable to our decisions and actions but it takes an active awareness to see God’s message for you. Open your mind as you read scripture to see how this wisdom applies to you.
Write down the scriptures you read today and the specific message you gain from it.
R is for Respond. How will you respond once you are aware of the divine message in the scriptures? Sometimes our response can be clear and easy but other times you may need more time to reflect.
Write how you can apply today’s message in your life.
P stands for Prayer. Pray over your readings and thoughts. God’s words are powerful and he can work in your life but you must take time to have conversation with him. Reading and reflecting on scripture allows God to communicate to us. We must complete the conversation by responding to him with our prayers.
Write down your thoughts and prayers for the day.
I use this outline every morning as I begin my day. It has made great impacts on my day in a simple manner. Let me encourage you to use this method, or adopt it to fit your needs. Click below for a free PDF outline that you can use to guide your thoughts.