As I got out of bed this morning at 6:00am I began my routine. I went downstairs and put water in the kettle and plugged it in. I got the mug ready and placed the loose leaf tea (Earl Grey Suave) from David’s Tea in the stainless steel filter that sits over the mug. I picked up my NLT bible and my two journals and sat down at the dining room table. All was quiet as I opened up to 1 Peter 2 where I am currently reading and reflecting. I opened up my first journal where I write down my thoughts from the scripture that I am reading. All was at peace as I mentally prepared to receive whatever was there for me this morning. The next hour was a time for me to hear from God, and for me to speak to God.

Once my scripture reading and reflecting was complete, I opened up my personal journal to write about the previous day and what is coming up this day. This journal often turns into written prayers as I seek wisdom, offer thanks or confess a failure.

And although the time, place and rhythm has changed during different seasons of my life, I can’t help but claim these times, places and rhythms and declare them as sacred for me – this has become essential if I am to maintain a relationship with God that is life-giving.

And please understand, I never allow these practices to be worshipped in and of themselves. I will change them up if they are no longer working for whatever reason. However I also realize that sometimes I simply need to “keep on keeping on” for the sake of my own growth and not allow my feelings or lack of motivation to be the driving force behind changing it up always either. Interestingly, if I go away for a vacation, I quickly try to find the sacred time, place and rhythm that will work for that brief time period.

And not only does this rhythm build into my life and keep me from wandering down self-centred paths,   I’ve discovered that it makes a statement to my family that I was not expecting.

I recall a situation about 8 years ago when I was journaling, sitting on the couch in our living room in the early evening. My mother called and my son answered the phone. During the conversation she must have asked him what I was doing. As a blessing to me, I believe that God allowed me to hear his reply. “He’s writing in his journal,” he said to her. “He always does that.”

I wish that I could declare to you that I have always maintained these times, places and rhythms, I have not. I have had seasons where I have stumbled through sporadic times with God, where the journal seldom came out, where the bible was read far too infrequently, and when my prayers were few and far between. And yet I can say that, having lived through many spiritual ups and downs over the years, I will fight for and search out these times, places and rhythms with more fervour than ever. I have come to realize that if I don’t, I will find myself limping through life, having shallow relationships, becoming increasingly selfish and self-absorbed, and becoming confident in things that ultimately have no value and that will always eventually disappoint.

As leaders of others, we are modelling what it means to seek God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. I encourage you to find your sacred time, sacred place and sacred rhythm. And don’t let anything get in its way. You will never regret this.

For the kingdom.

I’ve written about this before but I believe that it bears repeating. The weather is beautiful. Vacations are beginning. Kids are full swing into sport and other activities as well as day camps and more. The question is – what will the summer bring for your life and your relationship with God?

I was reading today in 1 Peter: “Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.”

As you consider the summer ahead of you as well as the summer that already has been, how is the “crave” factor in your life? What are you “crying out” for? The way that you choose to spend your time will be indicative of what is happening in your heart. Have you really tasted “the Lord’s kindness” that propels you forward?

Now I fully recognize that summer routines are very different than the routines of the rest of the year. Mine are different just like yours are different. And yet, does a different routine mean that God is put on a shelf until the fall when “normal” routine return?

As a pastor of 10 years, I have seen far too many people come back to church in September spiritually anemic due to lack of spiritual nourishment all summer. Some of them are craving God in a new way, mostly due to starvation all summer, and yet others have simply petered out and have lost any craving, some never come back to any church after the summer. This is always a sad part of my role as a pastor, to watch someone slowly fade away, not because they don’t believe in God anymore, but because they have never spent any time developing their relationship with him. They don’t know or forget what they are missing. Other life experiences get in the way, and they believe that that’s all there is, so God is put aside, perhaps for a season, but sometimes for life.

Now recognizing the uniqueness of summer, you very well may need to find some new routines to seek God. In fact, that may be a good thing. A new method of scripture reading, a time to memorize some verses as you go for a walk, prayer time as you sit out on the deck, a time to worship as you watch the vastness of creation in full swing, plants and birds and other animals. Interestingly, so far this year I have experienced seeing 3 robins go from egg to full growth in a nest under our deck. I have watched a snapping turtle lay its eggs near a swamp on the way to work. I have watched an osprey care for its young in a nest atop a pole. I have witnessed a bird land in the river by our home and come up with a fish in its talons. All of these events have moved me to worship the God of creation.

Perhaps the summer can be an opportunity to have more focussed time with your children and let them into you bible readings and prayer times. After all, they don’t have any homework responsibilities anymore.

As you lead others on the journey of discipleship, you are modelling for them what a vibrant relationship with God looks like. You are modelling “craving” and “crying out”. Talk this through with those you are engaging with. Help them to think through their summer routines. September should not be a “restart your faith” month, but simply another month in the calendar where you are seeking God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Blessings for a great summer with life-giving routines.