Living on Purpose

A routine can be good. There's something comforting about the familiar. My dictionary defines the term as, "a set of customary and often mechanically performed procedures or activities." The things I do every morning can easily be considered a routine. I exercise, take care of our pets, do my Bible study, spend time writing.

But part of the dictionary definition bothers me. It states that a routine is "often mechanically performed." I get the impression that I can do these things without much thought. Without much effort. It screams of just going through the motions. Definitely NOT what I'm after.

So is a routine truly a good thing? It definitely can be. It does give structure to my day. The challenge comes down to my attitude. It's up to me to choose to be aware of what I'm doing and not give into the temptation to shift into neutral. Just because it's a routine doesn't mean I can't set goals for each of these activities. After all, growth is what I'm after.

Time to give some thought to steps for growth. What better place to find direction than God's Word. The book of Luke describes the growth of Jesus," And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man," (Luke 2:52; KJV). Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was developing physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Some things happen naturally, like the physical growth of a child. Yet, as an adult, I have the opportunity to choose what foods I'll eat and whether or not I'll exercise. The Apostle Paul shares the importance of taking care of my physical body and my spirit, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I can determine what level of fitness I'm after and figure out what nutrients and activities will help me achieve that goal.

In order to grow in my relationship with the Lord, it's important for me to study His Word and obey His directives. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him," (John 14:21). Setting a goal for memorizing His Word and spending time in prayer and Bible study help me achieve the growth I'm after.

Relationships are very important. They take work and effort. My relationship with God doesn't just happen - it takes concentrated time. The same is true regarding relationships with people. Any relationship that is strong is the result of time spent cultivating that bond. God designed me for relationships. Jesus was very clear, "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," (Matthew 22:37b-38).

When I realize the value of family and friends in my life, I am willing to set aside time to nurture those relationships. To plan for regular time together. To put their needs ahead of my own. As a result, growth will happen. With the right attitude, I can stick to my routine AND see positive growth!

Do you have a routine? If you're just going through the motions, what steps will you put in place to achieve growth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that Your Word shows the importance of growth in all areas of my life. Help me to set realistic goals to achieve this growth. Your Word is clear, "Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day," (Psalm 25:4-5). In Jesus' name, Amen.

Of Pillows and Plans

Sleep is good. The right pillow can make a big difference. After using the same Tempur-Pedic pillows for years, my husband and I decided it was time to invest in some new ones. (I know what you're thinking - using the same pillows for years? Ewwww! But really, they're designed to resist dust mites and allergens, and are too pricey to replace every year...)We decided to go with the same style - neck pillows. According to the company, "The contoured design helps align your head, neck and shoulders for more relaxing and restful sleep." Exactly what we were looking for. We placed our order.

The pillows arrived two days later. Before bed, I slipped them into pillowcases, realizing how worn and flat our old pillows had gotten. But after lying down, we both realized that the new pillows would take some getting used to - they were so much thicker than the old ones, and they were super firm. We both had full schedules the next day, and didn't want to risk a poor night's sleep getting used to new pillows. We peeled off the pillowslips, and welcomed back our old, worn friends. We'd give the new pillows a chance the next night.

I was just as skeptical the next night. But we put the pillowcases back on the new pillows, and laid down. I kept my old pillow by my bedside - just in case. Although the new ones seemed too firm at first, my husband said that the material in them is sensitive to body temperature and after just a few minutes it would adjust to the shape of our heads, while providing the individual support each of us needed. He was right. As I rolled over onto my side, I was amazed that the added height of the pillow took the pressure off my neck and shoulder, allowing my muscles to relax completely. The next morning, I was thrilled I had been willing to give the new pillow another chance. Not only had I slept great, but I felt more refreshed than I had in a long time.

Funny how I get set in my ways. I'm so used to doing things the same way, that when God offers me something different, I hesitate. It seems safer to stick with the familiar, even when God is reaching out His hand, assuring me He's got something far better for me. I just need to trust Him, step forward in faith, and follow His plan.

Remember Gideon? He had grown up under tough circumstances. The Israelites were slaves to the Midianites. Conditions were so bad, that Gideon had to thresh his family's grain in secret, or the Midianites would take it. Because of these extreme difficulties, Gideon doubted the Lord even cared about him. Imagine his shock when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, speaking words full of hope, "The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour," (Judges 6:12; KJV).

Gideon's skepticism was clear, "Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites," (Judges 6:13). He wasn't convinced that the Lord had big plans for him!

The Lord's words were reassuring and meant to encourage, "...Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?" (Judges 6:14). Gideon remained skeptical, reminding God that his family was poor and he was a nobody. Although he had endured tough times, Gideon wasn't quite ready to trust a God who was offering he and his people deliverance. He wasn't ready to step out in faith.

Twice, Gideon requested that God prove His deliverance. Twice, God obliged. The rest of the story is nothing short of a miracle. Gideon left his old life behind, finally trusting that God would provide deliverance through him. The Lord used Gideon and his three hundred men, armed with only trumpets, pitchers and lamps, to completely route out the enemy!

It's easy to stick with the familiar. It's comfortable. But just think about the possibilities. God is offering you the adventure of a lifetime. Are you willing to take Him up on it? Take that first step of faith, and seek the Father's best for your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess that I often fall into a comfortable routine where I'm no longer looking for Your direction. Help me to trust You and move forward in the plan You have for me. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.