Who Do You Want to Be? Practicing a Rhythm of Life
Happy September! Somehow, even if we are no longer in school and no longer sending children off to a new school year, September seems to serve as an annual reminder to get back into our routines. This rhythm is so ingrained in us as children that it seems to make a lifelong impact!
Spiritual rhythms can work in the same way. Making a habit of practicing certain spiritual disciplines with God helps us (and our children) walk with God as a natural way of life.
Dallas Willard shares that “a Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. A Rule establishes a rhythm for life in which is helpful for being formed by the Spirit, a rhythm that reflects a love for God and respect for how he has made us.…Ultimately, a Rule should help you to love God more, so if it becomes a legalistic way of earning points with God or impressing others, it should be scrapped.”
We see a rhythm of life being practiced in the earliest patterns of the New Testament church. There were specific spiritual practices that were worked into the normal patterns of life. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Like going to the gym, the biggest benefits come from having a plan or routine, doing different exercises on different days, resting between workouts, and even having a trainer. I know for me, having my workouts and trainer appointments on my calendar are a big step towards success! Adele Calhoun tells us that “a rule for life offers unique and regular rhythms that free and open each person to the will and presence of Christ. The spiritual practices of a rule provide a way to partner with the Holy Spirit for personal transformation.”
Most of us have dreams of being closer to God…being more like Jesus…growing spiritually in some way. We have the same hopes for our children and grandchildren. But, while we can’t make ourselves or our grandkids more “holy,” this kind of spiritual growth doesn’t just happen either. We need to make a practice of placing ourselves where God can transform us.
Ruth Haley Barton says, “A rule of life seeks to respond to two questions: Who do I want to be? How do I want to live? Actually, it might be more accurate to say that a rule of life seeks to address the interplay between these two questions: How do I want to live so I can be who I want to be?” How do you want to live so you can be who you want to be?
Practice a Rhythm of Life for yourself
Don’t overdo it! Think about the gym again. We all make the same mistake; we suddenly re-commit to working out and we dive into more than our body is ready for. That only causes pain!
We are each in different seasons of life. Be reasonable. If you’re raising small children and working, your rhythm will look entirely different than if you’re retired and living alone. God gets it! He wants to meet you in your season.
Spend time alone with God. Ask him how HE would like to meet with YOU! (Yes, it’s a relational decision.) Then write down no more than two or three practices you will engage in each week. This is a great starting place.
Here are some spiritual practices to consider including: read Scripture, reflect upon God’s heart for you, sit in silent prayer to listen to God, worship (at church or in nature), read great devotional texts, journal, listen to praise music, fellowship with believers, offer hospitality to non-believers, or any other way that allows you and God to be together in your week and allows you time to slow down to hear his voice.
Share the practice with the children and teens in your life.
As your children, teens, or grands return to school, it’s a perfect time to help them choose some simple routines of meeting with God each day and week. Suggest ways to create a rhythm, and let your child pick those items that are meaningful to him or her.
Children and teens can engage in all the same spiritual practices that we enjoy as adults. Their days might include a time of prayer in the morning before school and a time of reflection on their day with God after school. Reading a short passage from the Bible at dinner or before bedtime can be a great part of your shared experience.
For more ideas, check out our free KidZ at Home resource guides and video discussions designed to help you and your family create a Rule of Life. Our unit entitled “Purposeful Life Practices” provides you with a downloadable PDF full of activities for you and your children and a two-part video conversation (Part 1 with Melissa MacDonald & Part 2 with Justin Earley) describing the practice.
Remember, a Rhythm of Life should:
Bring you and your children joy and freedom, not legalistic obligation.
Help you feel closer to God and his love, not shamed or burdened.
Be designed for your season of life, not patterned after someone else’s life.