Routine Anchoring

When we think of back to school, what first comes to mind? Sack lunches, big yellow buses, school supplies (Oh I love school supplies) and what about routine? During the summer we tend to lighten up or throw out routine altogether. Spontaneity is exciting and good and at times a total hoot, yet routine gives aide to keeping our prone-to-wander ducks – in a row.

Routine helps anchor our season of life – our day – our moment. An anchor is used when a boat or ship needs to be centered in one location and not moved by the wind, waves or current. When we follow an established pattern, it gives us focus, a goal rather than a haphazard throw it to wind mindset. Routine is a time, a place and a purpose.

Daniel of the Bible followed a pattern of praying three times a day, regardless of what was going on around him. His time with his God solidified his assurance of God’s character, thus help shape his own stand-strong character. King David mentions multiple times his routine was ‘early in the morning’ (early & first) he sought God, read His law, setting everything aside to praise Him. Jesus, our ultimate example was often seen slipping away to pray to His Father. Routine is a time, a place and a purpose.

Nicholas Herman of the 1600s, known to us as ‘Brother Lawrence’ speaks of the development of acute awareness, in the beloved compiled letters ‘Practicing the Presence of God.’ Brother Lawrence spent years working in the kitchen, then working as a shoe repairman. If I may offer application; he speaks of routine as a tool for focus.

Each night as my husband and I crawl in bed, he reads over us. A portion of scripture or from an in-depth devotional. He does this even if he’s traveling for work, through the phone the established routine anchors us.

Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Oh. (OH!)

Perhaps we need to re-adjust some focus, smooth out our schedule, dotting our calendar with designed routine. A time, a place, a purpose: For prayer, praise, seeking HIM early and first. For family and relationship.

Routine.

I shared the above with our women at church over breakfast at our September gathering.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)