There is definitely a place for routine and rhythm. Couldn’t really do without it.
There’s a little bit of a problem though if those rhythms and routines become the only way by which life operates. We start at 11am and have always started at that time. We couldn’t possibly consider changing that. We usually have it in that order and have never changed since my grandparents were around. We have done this activity over the years and it has served us well, there’s no need to change it. God forbid that God should ask us to do anything differently.
What is so fascinating about this approach is that the foundations of faith are built on people doing things that were rather unconventional. Track the journey that Abram makes for example, both geographically and relationship-wise. Have a look at the project that Noah is given. Consider how David the Shepherd deals with a military problem against an experienced warrior. Check out how the plan of redemption unfolds through the lineage of royalty emerging through humble beginnings. Notice the key players in the narrative are people from backgrounds that would not have fit in with a mainstream narrative. Observe the development and spread of the mission through unlikely sources in ways that would not be expected or predicted.
This is often why change is the best route for growth and that change necessarily readjusts the norm to stretch to something new. As much as there are resources on how to do this or that or the other, the route to realising the change that needs to be made in the life of the individual and a group might not always be that straightforward.
Rhythm and routine have their place, but in some cases for the journey to peace, it might require a trek into the unconventional.
(Photo by yatharth roy vibhakar on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 