I am a creature of routine. I like the comfort of my little daily rituals. I like to wake up early and head straight into the kitchen for my first cup of coffee. I like to sit in my cozy chair in our kitchen nook and sip my coffee. Once the caffeine begins to kick in, I like to get my Bible and journaling supplies and have my devotions. Yes, I like my routine...until I don't. Sometimes my routine gets boring, lifeless, and same old same old. When that happens, I know that my routine has turned into a rut. I need to get creative and shake things up a bit. At times like that I'll grab my Bible and journal and drive to a lovely spot by a park or next to the river for my quiet time. Sometimes, I'll go for a walk first and get some exercise while listening to worship music or a good podcast. At other times, it's counterproductive to force my morning routine to stay the same when my environment needs tidying up or I have a long list of to-dos. I find that I can focus on my devotional time better if I get those things done first. So, while I like my usual routine, I don't like it when my rituals turn into a religious rut. I'm not afraid to change things up when I feel that happening.
This week, Autumn 2017 began. I'm glad that I live in the Pacific Northwest where each season is distinct. After a hot, dry summer, the cooler temperatures and the much needed rain are welcome. Until they're not. Just about the time us Pacific Northwesterners can't stand another gray, rainy day, the seasons change again. I'm thinking that maybe the Creator doesn't really like ruts either! In fact, I think that the Creator is constantly doing new, creative things. I don't believe those changes are just happening in the world around us. I think God is constantly doing new and creative things in us. That is, if we allow Him to.
Sometimes, I get a little too fond of things the way they are. When my morning routine gets interrupted, I can get frustrated and upset at the person or situation doing the interrupting. Likewise, when I have my same old way of doing things, and then someone or something comes along that upsets the apple cart of doing it my own way, that makes me a bit cranky. When it's the Creator Who is messing around with the way I've always thought or the way I've always done things that's a whole new level of discomfort. That's messing around with my inner comfort zone, my inner routine, my inner rut. Why that's messing around with who I am-with me! (Join me for the rest of this post on Sunday, September 24th, at Woman to Woman Ministries where each Sunday I share a bit of Sunday Soul Food!)
still following,
I too am a creature of routine. And ruts. And the longer I let myself sit in the rut the deeper it gets. Thank you for the reminder to climb out!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for being a blessing and encourager to me.
DeleteSo many changes in all my 71 years. Sometimes the reflecting is hard, and sometimes looking forward isn't so fun either. But, I like and feel comforted by your words that maybe God is messing with things too, and know that in the end....things will be fine. Especially as we see daily the changes happening in our world. People wanting to throw out History and some of our comfort zones and way of life....maybe God is messing and like when I clean my house and make a clutter, things in the end will be rearranged fresh and new. Praying for our World this Sunday.
ReplyDeletePeabea@Peabea Scribbles
Yes, world is so messed up but I was reminded today that we are a part of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
DeleteI'll confess and raise my hand as another routine-oriented person. It's my comfort zone. Thank you for this excellent post, Elizabeth!
ReplyDelete"When my morning routine gets interrupted, I can get frustrated and upset at the person or situation doing the interrupting." I hear ya, friend. This is definitely something I need to work on! As far as the seasons go, it seems they always arrive at just the right time, don't they. I love how God worked that out!
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