Other people are drifting off to Never Land, but you’ve just gotten a fresh burst of energy. Your mind is racing with creative ideas. You eagerly begin jotting down notes and head to your computer only to catch a glimpse of the clock…

{sigh}

…it’s time for bed. In order to be somewhat human the next day you know you need a certain amount of sleep, and in order to get that you have to go to bed. You shut down your computer and pray that the inspiration you just received will linger until morning, knowing full well it’s hopping a red-eye flight to San Diego as you brush your pearly whites. As you set your three alarms and hope that you will be conscious enough to not shut them off in your sleep you wonder…

Can a night owl become a morning person?

Is it really possible? You know the internet is rife with articles that claim you can “trick yourself into becoming a morning person” and “anyone can be a morning person” given enough discipline and caffeine. Can it be true?

For all of you weary-eyed wonderers, I am here to set the record straight.

The answer is NO.

Oh sure, there are ways to reset your circadian clock with a strict schedule of eating, sleeping, and screen limitations. Theoretically, if you never work late, never sleep in on Saturdays, or basically never have a real life at all, you can adjust your bodies’ rhythm–but who wants to go through all of that?

Can there be an alternate solution to the three hour out-of-body experience every morning?

Thankfully, the answer to this question is YES!

A friend recently suggested I ease into the morning with music. I love music so this would normally be a good suggestion except that before 10:00 a.m. and a large serving of caffeine, this is me:

thanks to Jeff Dunham for making me laugh every time I hear this

However, I was willing to try just about anything to ease the pain that my alarm causes my sensibilities, so I gave it a try. Several weeks ago I set a Pandora Radio alarm to wake me with soft instrumental Christmas music. Today I graduated to reflective worship music.

The first song came through as an unidentifiable blur, but the second and third songs that played are two of my favorites. I can’t imagine a better way to start a Monday than with these words:

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

And this beautiful prayer:

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.

Speak O Lord by Keith and Kristyn Getty 

I am happy to report that listening to God-honoring music in the morning has helped awaken my mind and my spirit, even on a Monday! It may take a little effort to resist the urge to return to silence, but if you allow the truths of God’s Word to wash over you–even at 6:40 a.m.–they will minister to your soul.

Are you a night owl with a tried and true method of making mornings easier? If so, share your secrets in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.