After a couple of weeks in lockdown, I would imagine that many of us have attacked that long to-do list that has been hovering for years. Firewood stacked – check. Lawn and garden tidied – check. Garage cleaned and swept – check… (well, some). Closets ordered –check. Cupboards sorted – check. Papers gone through, once again – check.
Yes, hopefully as we move towards a third week in lockdown we have a few established rhythms taking place. Intentional reading, prayer time. Devotions (in some measure) with others in the household. Maybe even time for meditation, for inventory of our own lives.
It is easy to fall into routines, rather than rhythms. Routines can be sort of established patterns we passively fall into – which life thrusts upon us, and we acquiesce; rhythms seem to be more of what we place on the agenda. Anyway, either way, sometimes in the course of either of these we can lose track of which day it even is. They do seem to slip by. (What day is it?).
Yet, of all the items placed upon our calendar, I wonder how many would place contemplation, or more specifically repentance on any given day. A time to reflect, a time for inventory, and care of our spiritual health.
Being open to the Lord’s prompting is great, and to His conviction, but I think it is much more difficult to initiate that invitation to inventory the soul. But, repentance is always a good thing; is it not?
Okay. So, maybe some of the patterns we are in are more routine, rather than rhythms. We can still change that. It looks like we are going to have a little more time to practice as the lockdown has been extended.
What if we were to bring God in on the process? To allow the eyes of Heaven to give counsel? To lead us in the paths of righteousness?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Like I said, maybe not the first thing to place on our calendar, but a good step in being conformed to the image of Christ.
/‘.’\ Pastor Kelly
Thank you for being bold and faithful enough to put this out there! You encourage and inspire us to unite and rally together as brothers and sisters in Christ to stand up for what is right and Holy! 💕🙏🇺🇸