I met a woman who told me she named her son Phoenix. She chose the name because she always wanted him to rise to the occasion. It is a noble idea. Like most parents, I imagine she and her husband are doing their best to equip their son for flight.

But when life is at its toughest a flight plan can seem non-existent.

So how do you rise and shine each day? Caffeine may be part of the formula but it takes something much stronger for me to get through twenty-four hours.

As an early riser, my soul’s alarm is set to sunrise. The announcement of a new day brings a smile to my face and productivity to my mind. On the other hand, a night owl’s engine starts humming around 6:00 pm. Their soul’s alarm is set to the moon’s appearance.

I’m an E.R. living with two N.O.’s, so I get to see the best (and worst) of both worlds. For my family and me, a grumpy mood or a confused coordination of our schedules quickly reminds us of this truth. If we want to rise and shine it takes greater focus.

But regardless of our tendencies, some days are tough to respond too. If you’ve had to look for grace in tight places or face an ongoing fear, you know rising can be a challenge.

Being awake is not the same as being our best.

I can rise to an occasion with expectations of myself, others, and even God. However, I can only shine in the occasion when I reflect Christ.

Many factors may attempt to redirect the glow of knowing Him. Life’s problems and my pride love to steal the spotlight. A looming deadline. An unexpected dilemma. A swift success. Each one yells, “Look at me! “

I’m amazed by the sudden (and sometimes subtle) interruptions to God’s invitation to a shining moment. And yet, His Spirit prompts us to do what is beyond us to show that He lives in us (see Galatians 2:20). A child-like faith in the face of hard times. A soft answer to turn away anger. A humble response to recognition.

Depending on the weight of your concerns, rising may sound like a good idea. But in the stresses of life, we may also wonder if it is possible. Through faith in Christ, it is.

^“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT