Very early in the morning … Jesus got up …
and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
—Mark 1:35
A polished violinist was asked, “What is the secret of your success?” “Planned neglect,” she said.
She explained that she had allowed routine chores to take precedence over practice: washing dishes, making beds, shopping, running errands. By the time she uncased her violin she was frazzled; her practice unfocused and unproductive.
So she resolved to make practice her priority. The “planned neglect” of everything else until her practice was done produced a first-class musician.
It was early in the morning when people came to hear Jesus teach at the temple (Lk. 21:38). It was even earlier in the morning—while it was still dark—when Jesus made his way to a solitary place to pray (Mk. 1:35).
Better to neglect all else than to skip time with him.
Before you face your day, face your Father.