God has a sense of humor.

Don't say He doesn't.

He does.

He keeps whispering to me that if I would only get up a few minutes earlier each day, my days would run so much more smoothly than they typically do. I manage 6:45 to 7:00 but Hgirl is quick to meet me at 7:30. I get some quiet time but it just isn't the same as the time I used to spend with the Lord well before anyone was awake. That changed with this pregnancy.

6:00 a.m. is what He has been whispering. 6:00 a.m. 6:00 a.m. 6:00 a.m.

This morning I roll over to see what the clock says. It reads 7:00 a.m. Well, GREAT! Another day where quiet time is rushed before I have to get in the shower to get ready for church. AGHHH! And I need to wash my hair! AND shave my legs! (Do you KNOW how long it takes a pregnant lady to shave her legs... IN THE SHOWER???) And I'm really cozy and not wanting to get up just yet. So I opt to talk to the Lord from bed.

Now, it's time for the shower. No soda. No Bible. Just shower.

I emerge clean and shaven. Trusty clock says 8:00 a.m.

This is where I should mention the clock is one of those Smart Clocks that automatically keeps the time and date for you no matter the circumstance.

Power goes out? No problem. When it comes back on, the clock automatically sets itself.

Leap year? Easy peasy! The clock knows 2008 has 366 days instead of 365.

Daylight Savings Time? Got it! Automatically "springs forward" at midnight on Saturday/Sunday.

This is where I should tell you the clock would be more appropriately named Smart-Alec Clock.

My Smart clock did it's springing this weekend! Yes, you got it. When I woke at 7:00, it was actually 6:00. When I got in the shower at 7:30, it was actually 6:30. When I got out at 8:00, it was actually 7:00. Apparently, the clock did not realize that the powers-that-be changed the weekend that we spring forward and we actually lost our hour a month ago. Thanks to my Smart-Alec Clock, I've lost two! It wasn't until I sat down for a sip of that beloved go-go juice (Diet Pepsi) thinking it was 8:00 a.m. but wondering why everyone was still sound asleep... and why is it still so dark???... when I looked at one of those ancient wall clocks that actually still tick that I saw it was, indeed, only 7:00 a.m.

I went through the house checking the rest of the clocks to confirm... yep, only 7:00.

Now, don't go feeling sorry for me. God says to rest on Sundays and I do. My Sunday comes with a nap built in so I'll get my hour back. But God is so good. The time was so sweet this morning after my shower when I realized I had an extra hour. I was able to have my Bible time before being found out by the kids and we were ready for church early. Yes, you read that right, EARLY! (We didn't get there early but that's another blog...) I was able to snuggle for as long as they wanted and then sit down and enjoy breakfast with them at the table. We were able to playfully dress for church instead of the hurry, hurry, hurry pace we usually experience which puts us all in a mood opposite of what I suppose God desires for us as we prepare to worship Him. The time was such a gift. The price? One hour.

So, what did I learn from God's little April Fool's joke this morning???

Tis better to listen and obey than to wrestle and go your own way.

In His gentle but firm way, He reminds me that His ways are always better than my own... no matter what I think. I am thankful He is so gracious and compassionate to gently keep reminding me of this very truth. Why I need to be convinced over and over and over is beyond me! But thankfully my Lord is patient.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

I think I'll set the alarm (after I re-set the clock) and try things His way in the morning. He has proven Himself faithful time and time again. If I will obey, He will provide.

Through my obedience, He blesses me.

Through my obedience, I am able to bless those around me.

That's worth an hour of lost sleep to me...