My Rule of Life 2
Well before I get into sharing my rule of life, I want to explain a couple of things:
First of all, there is no “right” rule of life for everyone. Every on is different, and some of the things that work for me may not work for you.
Secondly, this is my rule for now. Most likely it will get tweak along the journey.
Third, if and when you decide to establish a rule of life for yourself be realistic and at the same time stretch yourself. People typically go way over board (ex: read the Bible through 3 times a year, pray for an hour on my knees everyday at 4am, and so on…) and fail, or make it too easy (ex: read one verse a day).
So there are a few thoughts. Now to my Rule of Life…as you’ll see I’ve broken it up based on things I’d like to do weekly, monthly, and yearly. I’ve also tried to be specific about when I’m going to do things and where. If not, a busy life of marriage, kids, family, friends, and work would set me up to fail. So here goes nothing:
Weekly
Read through the Bible in two years
Based off of 3 times a week (Wed., Thurs., Fri.)
Where: office at church
When: 1st thing in the office (too difficult at home with kids)
Each reading will have a passage from the OT, Psalms, Proverbs, & NT
Go through the Gospels one paragraph at a time (Meditate, Reflect, & Journal)
3 times a week (Mon., Tues., Sat.)
When: Monday-afternoon while kids take a nap; Tuesday-first things after
lunch; Saturday-afternoon while kids take a nap
Saturdays reading will be done with Karissa (wife) and involve sharing with one another
Exercise
3 times a week (Mon., Wed., Fri.)
Preferably in the morning before I go to work
Once a month
Afternoon of Solitude
Saturday afternoon – will need to work this schedule out with Karissa
24 Hour Fast
Wednesday or Thursday beginning after breakfast
Once a year
Overnight retreat with 2 close guy friends
July or August
Read a book focused on prayer/spiritual formation
I hope seeing my plan will be beneficial for you. So go for it…establish your plan and
share it with someone to hold you accountable. May it be more than a rule. May
it be a plan to help you draw near to God and hear His voice in your life.
i’m interested to know how you will help you remember this plan daily? like do you have reminders/the list posted somewhere to help you remember? do you have post-it notes or reminders in your phone? i totally lay out a plan @ bedtime to start the new routine, then somehow i manage to “forget …” i think it’s very tough to start a new routine and am wondering how you are jumpstarting this and actually making it happen …
You’re exactly right – a new routine is very hard. In this new plan I’m kind of trying to be a stickler or dare I say “pharisee” about it. For instance, Monday is my day at home with the kids alone. So my rule of life goes into effect as soon as both kids fall asleep at the same time. I usually don’t have a huge window of time, so it has to be first. I don’t let myself get on the computer, watch tv, or work on the house until after that.
While at the church, I don’t answer my messages or even open my email until I’ve spent time with God on Wed, Thur, and Fri. I do realize that I have a huge advantage of being able to do that at work.
My Saturday devotion with Karissa has been before we go to bed. I had hoped for the afternoon, but I don’t think that’s realistic at this point.
Basically I think you have to fight for your plan, realizing that you need it, your marriage needs it, your family needs it, and so on. I hope that helps a little.