Sherry Kyle, here, writing from California. I came home last Tuesday from an amazing time at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. It was a time of firsts for me after going every year since 2006. It was the first time I spoke to various groups, the first time I had books to sell at the Conference Bookstore, and the first time I roomed with four other women in a cabin. (We had a blast!) The most significant first, however, was the early Sunday morning hike to the cross.

To clarify, I’m not a morning person. I like to sleep in and take my time getting dressed in the morning. As I type, I’m still in my pj’s with a cup of coffee by my side. In order to go to the cross with the guide, we were to meet at 6 am. I literally threw on my clothes, ran a brush through my hair, and jogged with a couple of my roommates to meet the group.

As we walked up the hill, we chatted about our families, life, and God’s amazing creation. Yes, we’re all writers. But as we climbed the hill together, we were a group of believers ready to lay down our hopes, dreams, and aspirations at the cross.

The view was breathtaking. A layer of fog blanketed the hills, then lifted as the sun rose. We prayed together and sang the doxology. It was an incredible way to start the morning. 

The trip to the cross opened my eyes to beginning my day with Jesus. 

As I type, the chorus to the song “At the Cross” came to mind:

At the cross, at the cross

Where I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

How does starting your day with God help you write?