As a hopeless night-owl, I have long maintained this truth: The world is made for morning people! Perhaps this began during the agrarian age, when farmers rose with the sun and went to bed at sunset. Or perhaps it dates back to ancient times when the only light available was candlelight, and darkness brought many dangers.
Whatever the reason, it seems that (with the exception of artist and musician types) morning people have the edge. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that while evening people have some advantages -- studies have shown them to be smarter, more creative, more outgoing and have a better sense of humor -- they're out of sync with the typical corporate schedule. When it comes to business, morning people are more successful. They are more logical and analytical, and tend to get better grades in school, which helps them get into better colleges, which then leads to better job opportunities. Morning people have also been linked to proactive thinking, better job performance, greater career success, and higher wages. Remember, these are statistics, not truths -– individual experience may vary!
Research indicates that genetics plays about a 50 percent role in whether we are a morning person or a night person. Preference is also largely affected by what we’re used to from childhood (my entire family stays up late), the seasons or what we’ve adapted to. Relatively few people (10% to 20 percent) are extreme morning people or night-owls. Most of us are able to adapt. Age also changes our sleeping patterns. The older one gets, the more one tends to be a morning person. While it is hard to change our preference, we can change our behavior. Our ability to function in the morning has a lot to do with the time we go to bed.
All of this is good news because it means we are able to adjust as needed. As hard as it may be to believe, at one point in my life I actually arrived at my corporate job by 8 a.m. Thank God those days are over! Now I only need to arrive early on Sunday mornings. And beginning this fall, those of you who attend the Traditional Service will also be arriving at church earlier on Sunday. You may need to cut back on those Saturday late-night parties! Or, check out the Celebration Service at 11:20 a.m. -- the official worship service of night-owls!
As we look to a new year in our journey with each other and with God, remember that corporate worship and education are the only Christian practices that need happen at a designated time and place. There is no rule about when or where one needs to pray, meditate, read scripture, serve others or practice hospitality. I encourage you to tend to your spiritual health in ways that work for you. God may rest, but God never sleeps!
