Most of us are experiencing disruption right now. Either we have much less to do, much more to do, or all new ways to figure out what to do. Let’s use this moment of disruption to grow as followers of Jesus.
Finding a helpful rhythm for life helps us be intentional about things that are important. Intentional practices create space for abiding with God, allowing us to bring our lives into alignment with our hopes, desires, and values.
1. Pause for prayer & scripture
Take moments to pause, breathe, and remember who God is. Many people find it helpful to start the day in quiet prayer and scripture reading before anything digital, like Instagram, or the news, or television. Ground your day by connecting with God. Pause along the way to remember Him.
2. Create a gratitude ritual
Draw your attention to the things for which you are grateful. Perhaps you write them down each morning, or review them in your minds before bed, or share with those close to you around the dinner table in the evening. Be intentional about noticing what is good and hopeful.
3. Exercise or go for a walk
If possible, while maintaining proper social distancing, exercise or go for a walk through your neighborhood. Take care of your body and engage with God’s bigger, beautiful world.
4. One “focal practice”
Find an activity to which you can give your complete focus without getting distracted or finding yourself concerned about the conditions of the outside world. This can be gardening, woodworking, cooking, reading, playing an instrument, art, chess, etc.
5. Relational touch point
Establish a relational touch point with a close friend, family member, or people in your St. Peter’s circle. This is a time to draw closer in relationships, through the benefit of technology, not grow more distant. Make a telephone call, send a text or e-mail, video chat….stay in touch! Remember, physical distance does not have to equal relational distance. As our movie marquee has shared: “Physically distant, spiritually close.”
6. Limit intake of news
The news cycle moves at a rapid pace, but our internal tempo is not meant to live at that speed. Consider limiting your intake to two times daily at most. Offset news intake with sources of beauty and creativity like art, music, reading.
7. Limit screen time and escapist behaviors
It is very easy to indulge in escapist behaviors. Find ways to limit your intake of things like alcohol, social media, television, sugar, staying up late, etc. Do things that are life-giving and feed your soul instead.
8. Overflow
As part of who we are in God, we live with open hands. Here at St. Peter’s, we call it Living Out. Ask yourself, “How can the blessing of God that flows to me also flow through me?” Who can I serve or bless today? Discover safe ways to bless your church and your community.
9. Sabbath and worship
Keep your routine to worship God with your church family. Practice Sabbath (pausing from work to rest and connect). Join us (click here for link) to worship together, learn from the Scriptures, creating space to connect with God.