Summer fills my calendar quickly. A full time job becomes the base layer, then projects stack on top: ductwork in the crawlspace, a kitchen backsplash, a backyard that still needs shaping, sketches of a deck and patio, even invention ideas waiting for attention. None of it is bad, but together they crowd the quiet practices that keep my heart steady.
In seasons like this, my writing discipline gets shelved, not from lack of desire but noise. It is easy to think I can “catch up later,” as if habits are elastic. But what is not maintained slowly fades. The spirit needs rhythm, attention, and space.
Years ago, I was riding my bicycle with some coworkers on a six mile route when a cramp forced me to stop. “You guys go ahead, I’ll catch up,” I said. After resting briefly, I got back on. It took all of the last three miles to catch up to them as they were already finishing at the parking lot. Catching up took much more energy than pacing would have.
My point is simple: life requires diligence and time stewardship. When busyness goes unchecked, even good things crowd out the best. I don’t want spiritual habits—prayer, reflection, writing, listening—to become things I’m always catching up on. I want them to be my steady pace forward.
Therefore I’m learning to protect the small disciplines before life demands I recover them. It is easier to maintain a rhythm than to rebuild one from exhaustion. I don’t want to only catch up to my faith or my habits. I want to walk with them daily, so that even in busy seasons, I remain grounded, present, and attentive to what matters most.
So I choose today to return to a steady rhthym, trusting that daily faithfulness carries me further than frantic catching up ever could. I want to walk with God in daily discipline, while taking time to write the devotional thoughts he has placed on my heart.
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Excellent resolve and reflection Eric. Although I don’t work apart from caring for my family (and myself), I can appreciate the demands of life and having only 24 hrs in a day. Right now I am writing less as I prepare for Sunday; my blog can be pared back but my time with God is non-negotiable as was Calvary for His Son. May Father God continue to guide and bless you each day brother.🙏
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Amen, brother Alan! I appreciate your faithfulness and encouraging words! Thanks for being a blessing to me and so many, brother👍🏻🙏
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Well said, Eric, and thoughts that help us assess where we need moderation. We can choose that delightful rhythm of discipline that produces consistency.
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Grant, I’m going to use that phrase “the delightful rhythm of discipline. Thanks! As a drummer, I understand the importance of a uniform cadence, and also how noticeable it is when the rhythm gets off kilter. Thanks for your encouragement today!👍🏻🙏
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I can relate to this, Eric. My life is very busy right now, and some days writing is put on the back burner. But, I never skip my time with God first thing in the morning. I wouldn’t have peace or direction for my day without it.
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That’s wonderful Heather! Thanks for your faithfulness and steady encouragement to me and many others, I appreciate it greatly! God bless and keep you through your busy days!🙏👍🏻
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Routines help complete daily tasks/goals, but then there are those pesky rhythm-breakers (e.g., an overflowing toilet). Being easily distracted is not beneficial either-unless it’s reading extra pages of the Bible! Thanks for the enjoyable read, Eric. 🙂
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That’s a funny mental picture, Nancy…I’ve never met an enjoyable plumbing malfunction, especially when the toilet decides to stage a rebellion. Thanks for your faithfulness, and I agree, a few extra pages of Bible has always proven beneficial!👍🏻🙏
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