Three of my children have returned to school for the second semester. For my two children in college, it means a new schedule with different classes and times when they are supposed to be in class. The university and seminary schedule I followed for eight years introduced a regular rhythm to my day and there were changes each semester. This schedule gave a framework to each day as I was expected to be in a certain classroom at a certain time for lecture. I looked forward to each new schedule.
When I graduated from seminary, I had more opportunities to create my own schedule. I was serving at a local church where I was responsible for youth/young adult ministry, sport ministry, and starting a new worship experience. I found myself falling into self-imposed traps when I would not plan my schedule well and fall into ruts of focusing on the urgent and neglecting the long-term until it became the urgent. This struggle can return in my life at times when there are many projects.
Last week, I mentioned my word for the year is “Intentional.” My desire to live intentionally is based in the truth that God has given us a life that, when balanced, expresses the fullness of God’s original creation. An intentional life where I focus on my whole being: relational, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. When I am living intentionally in each of these areas, I discover a life of rhythm where I am healthy in all areas of life.
The Jewish rhythm of life as expressed in the Gospels and Acts, speaks to the rhythm of daily prayer (Acts 3:1), regular Sabbath worship (Luke 4:16), and regular festival attendance (John 5:1, 7:10; 13:1, etc.). Each of these parts of the rhythm invited the people to deeper relationship with God and with one another. With the festivals, certain foods were prescribed and certain rituals to be experienced in community. The intentionality to stop during the day for prayer or to set aside work for Sabbath worship or festival participation, pulled the person from the busyness of the day to focus on his/her relationship with God and with other people.
When we live undisciplined lives, we miss the beauty of the rhythm of life that comes through intentionally living a schedule that invites us to focus on our relationship with Jesus, our relationship with our family and friends, and our relationship with ourselves, including fitness and nutrition. Our faith and our life are best expressed and experienced through an intentional rhythm that creates space for growth and transformation.
How are you living an intentional rhythm of life? Are you like the student who has a clear schedule that invites them to new learning and new experiences? Or, have you fallen into the trap of undisciplined living, missing out on the times to focus on each area of your life? I would invite you to consider an intentional rhythm that will help you grow physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually in 2026.
Prayer: Lord, I want to live a more disciplined and intentional life. I thank you for the rhythm laid out for me that sets apart time for prayer, worship, rest, and celebration. Give me clarity of mind to see how to live an intentional rhythm for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.