September 2021
How long has it been since you shook up your daily routines?
Tom was a creature of habit. He liked to do the same thing over and over again. He would wake up and have a set routine each day, each week, each season. Tom called it “mastering the mundane”.
Routines take the guesswork away. Routines are good. Routines get us into a groove and simplify our lives. Routines keep us in our comfortable, happy space.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?
Let’s flip this over because many times, discomfort teaches us more than comfort.
Sometimes, routines prevent us from seeing things differently. Sometimes they get in the way of helping others. Sometimes we cling to our routine at the expense of stepping out.
Sometimes they make everything a little too perfect and we avoid spiritual growth.
Often, our comfort and prosperity get in the way of our dependence on God. When we have everything and all is in perfect order, we tend to minimize God’s place in our lives; we fail to flourish as His children. The opportunity cost of staying in our happy little rut might just be preventing us from something better.
That something better might be just what God wants for you and from you.
A few weeks ago, I packed up my car and my dog, Finley, and I began a journey to see my family in the Midwest. This trip is a vacation, but not a “drop everything and relax in some beautiful place with no worries or cares” type of vacation. This vacation is a break from my habits and routines. I was in a rut, a rut that was safe and comfy and happy, but a rut, nonetheless.
So, here I am in the Midwest, and it is humid, grungy and I am outside of my comfort zone. It is good. Very good. I’ve been in communities that can only be seen on a road trip, meeting new people and visiting friends, and I’m gaining an appreciation for simple things – a good cup of coffee, a friendly face, an interesting historic marker. I’ve stepped out, discovered how to be present again, and am seeing God work in me and through me. And, without all my normal distractions and routines, I can see Him more fully too. His nature, His artistry, and His love. God is reminding me to listen (and hear) Him.
Years ago, Tom did a lesson, “Mistaking Control for Ownership” as part of his Dumb Mistakes and How to Avoid Them series. https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/audio-archives/2017/11/2/mistaking-control-for-ownership In this lesson, Tom sheds light on God’s many nuances and our response to Him in our daily lives. Tom reminds us to step back and look to God, knowing He is in control.
So, how about you? Are you in a routine that, although good, may be getting in the way of better? Maybe it is time to clear your calendar, switch up your routines and take some time to do something different (or differently!) and see God anew. Maybe it’s time to:
take your walk in the opposite direction
have a day without “screens” - TV, phone or tablet
change your alarm and sleep in (or wake early and watch the sun rise!)
call someone instead of texting
sit in a different seat at church
just take time to listen
I hope in the next few weeks you’ll step out, linger, look, and listen.
His mercies are new every morning.
I bet He has a lot to show you.