Rhythms. We all have them.
We wake up and do this or that.
We go through the day doing this or that.
And the overwhelming majority of our rhythms are actions that we engage with little to no thought process.
I wonder how many of us, myself included, have unhealthy rhythms? You know, activites you started doing a long time ago with no idea that soon you would be performing that same routine day in and day out without hesitation. I wake up every morning and immediately grab my phone in order to read e-mails or check Facebook. I catch myself at times mindlessly “surfing the web.”
And I hate that.
I hate the many pointless activites that must be performed or I feel anxious about not knowing what’s going on.
Am I the only one?
I’m not content to walk through life mindlessly engaging the world. I want to be aware of what I’m doing and I want to be doing more Christ-centered things with my time.
I’m determined that with the aide of the Spirit I will see my rhythms redeemed. The pointless replaced with the purposeful. The useless replaced with the beneficial. The empty replaced with the whole.
Here’s what that looks like for me:
- I’m going to be present with my family. – over my short tenure as pastor I’ve had highs and lows when it comes to shepherding my family well. Jessie could tell you all about that and I’m confident she’d say I get an “a” for effort and improvement lately. Except for this week. It’s been a rough week. Daily this looks like family dinners no matter what and my phone being out of reach when with my wife or girls.
- Intentional and fervent prayer. – Luther said, “Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.” I pray daily. Sometimes with intensity and sometimes out of obligation. I desire for my prayer life to be a more intimate communion with God.
- In bed by 10 and up by 6. - This one is going to be trial and error. I want to take some time and figure out when I’m most productive. The only thing for certain is that I NEED 8 hours of sleep. Trust me.
- Starting my day well - Not going to lie…I’m not the best at starting my day “in the Spirit.” It usually takes me a few hours to get in the groove. Perhaps, it’s just the way I’m wired (meaning not a morning person), or perhaps I’m lazy. I’m going to find out.
- No interaction on Facebook or Twitter until I’ve read the Bible through. – Last week I started a 90 Day Bible reading plan. I’ll post thoughts I have or photos I like to share through automated programs, but I won’t be reading post or interacting with them. (If you need to connect with me: danny@crossroadsonline.cc)
- Daily Journaling. – “They” say that journaling is a must for leaders. Honestly, I’m off and on here. Some weeks great, some not.
- Daily Exercise. – If you know me, you’re probably laughing at this one. We bought bikes as a family, and so far I’ve gone cycling everyday. I want to keep that up and improve.
There it is. My new rhythms. Feel free to hold me accountable.
Pop-quiz me on it.
Any rhythms you want to change? Want someone to take the journey with you?
