A friend recently returned from an extended trip across several time zones. As we visited one day, I casually asked about jet lag and reacclimating to his routine. He noted that everything was back in place except one component…the morning disciplines.
What are your disciplines? When I was a soldier in the US Army, our typical week ran like clockwork. There was always morning physical training (PT). There was always a morning meeting (formation), an end of the day “debrief” (formation), and preparation of equipment and supplies for the following day. These “disciplines” have been the source of much “parent entertainment” with my family through the years. Yes…I am the dad that returned from a camping trip with the boys and required that all of the gear be set back up, cleaned and inspected, repackaged for the next excursion, and systematically stored for a short-notice departure. The rationale for this was not some pressing need to deploy the family into the woods, but the lingering influence of habit…routine…discipline.
Generally speaking, I have a routine/discipline that drives my discipleship in Christ now. I tend to rise early…meaning that by 5:30am or so, I am already enjoying a cup of morning coffee and engaged in one of 3-5 devotional guides and daily bible readings. I follow a reading plan…a system, so that I won’t miss out on anything or skip over some uncomfortable part of the Scriptures. I make breakfast (nearly) every morning for Jodi and me. It is the same basic breakfast every day. I pack the same items into a briefcase and carry it to the truck so I can leave by the same general time every day. This is so I can get to the office before prayer time.
The point is not that I have a boring routine (though you may be under that impression). The point is that I have certain milestones driven into the ground that keep me grounded, facilitate achievement of defined objectives, and provide much needed provisions for the day. When something interrupts this discipline, I feel a bit “undone.” Because of my morning discipline, my evening activities are generally shorter and often include an early bedtime. If Jodi and I watch a late movie or a DVRd television show, my morning disciple becomes a little more tedious and strained. So…to guard the morning discipline (which is of ultimate value) I have to intentionally take captive the runaway distractions of the evening.
Here is the point (and the question): For you, what are the defined goals and objectives that are critical to
Eugene Peterson described the Christian life as “a long obedience in the same direction.” In other words, it consists of defined goals and consistent progress toward them based on the desired outcomes rather than the influence of emotions. Our “faith” informs our habits/disciplines and our disciplines/habits influence our faith.
Do your habits reflect your priorities? Did they once? If so and this is not the case today, start over. Don’t wait until next January and a new wave of resolutions. Begin today. Define the goal. Lay out the strategy. Adjust everything else around it. Begin again.
“discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…” 1 Timothy 4:7
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