I had gotten up a little later than I’d planned.

I raced to the shower, jumped in, and got through it in record time. I threw on my outfit for the day, dried my hair, and was beginning to style it when I realized something was wrong.

My freshly-washed hair wasn’t responding favorably to the routine combing, curling, and fluffing that I generally did. No matter what I tried, my hair was just not cooperating.

Then it dawned on me. I had forgotten to shampoo!

(Insert internal scream here.)

I didn’t have time to do anything about it, so out the door I went.

The result?

All day long, my hair was limp, unmanageable, and downright meh.

Kind of like my soul is during the day if I don’t connect with Jesus first thing in the morning.

I’ve jumped out of bed and raced out the door enough times in my life to know that, if I don’t take some time to chat with my First Love, my soul will be limp; my day, unmanageable; and my attitude, meh.

19^th Century British pastor, George Mueller, said it best, “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to get my soul happy in the Lord.”

Just like a good shampoo will cleanse the toxins out of my hair, a good heart-to-heart with Jesus first thing in the morning will cleanse the doldrums out of my soul.

Without this internal wash and rinse every day, my heart is at risk of being disconnected from God and the perpetual communion He desires for me to have with Him.

And, I know what awaits me on the other side of my front door – a broken world in need of light and hope; a cunning enemy ready to hurl taunts and lies in my direction; and lost people who need to be introduced to my Savior.

I can’t afford to bypass this crucial time each morning.

Because, it’s here, as I sit with Jesus and let His love wash over my soul, that I am reminded of how He’s made me fresh and clean; blessed me with a brand new day; and has prepared my steps to be a light of hope and joy to those I meet today.

“Remind me each morning of Your constant love, for I put my trust in You. My prayers go up to You; show me the way I should go.” (Psalm 143:8 GNT)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!