I think I had forgotten how much I love to travel.
Over the past few years, there has always been some reason not to go on journeys. But especially since last summer, opportunities to travel have come in waves. And despite all the hassles of traveling, I realize now how much I love to go places.
One of the best parts of travel is that it breaks up the routine. By definition, being in another place upsets the normal schedule and makes it necessary to adapt. Even regular waking and sleeping times are changed. Things are necessarily different - and that change can be energizing and invigorating.
All the same, there is something wonderful about coming back home . . . and settling once more into a routine.
When I say that, I'm thinking specifically about spiritual disciplines. My favorite time of day - when I'm in town - is the morning. I devote that time to prayer and Bible study, to journaling and Scripture memory. It's harder for me to do those things when I'm on the road, so I look forward to coming home and reconnecting with those activities that keep me spiritually alive and healthy. (Of course, I can do those things wherever I am, but for some reason it's more of a challenge for me when I'm not at home.)
In Luke 4:16, we are told that Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as was his custom. Some time later, we're told that Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives (Luke 33:39). In Acts 17:2, we read that the Apostle Paul went to the synagogue as his custom was. That kind of habit, that kind of custom, that kind of routine is what I'm drawn to.
I used to see spiritual disciplines as obligations. When I fulfilled my obligations, I felt satisfied, relieved, even proud. And when I failed in my disciplines, I felt guilty. Lately, however, I see spiritual disciplines as gifts and opportunities. Often, the best part of my day happens in those moments of quiet study and reflection. Most mornings, I sit at my desk and grapple with Scripture. And I am happy to call that sort of thing "my custom."
I'm not nearly as disciplined as I want to be. But I must say that my time with God has, over the years, become a joyful blessing.
My travels seem to be over for the immediate future. And I'm sad about that. At the same time, it's a blessing to be home again. It's a blessing to be home where it's easier to maintain those healthy and important routines.
Of course, routines can be boring and tedious. Or they can be life-giving and energizing.
When it comes to spiritual disciplines, I'm a fan of the routine. It's often what keeps me alive.
In Luke 4:16, we are told that Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as was his custom. Some time later, we're told that Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives (Luke 33:39). In Acts 17:2, we read that the Apostle Paul went to the synagogue as his custom was. That kind of habit, that kind of custom, that kind of routine is what I'm drawn to.
I used to see spiritual disciplines as obligations. When I fulfilled my obligations, I felt satisfied, relieved, even proud. And when I failed in my disciplines, I felt guilty. Lately, however, I see spiritual disciplines as gifts and opportunities. Often, the best part of my day happens in those moments of quiet study and reflection. Most mornings, I sit at my desk and grapple with Scripture. And I am happy to call that sort of thing "my custom."
I'm not nearly as disciplined as I want to be. But I must say that my time with God has, over the years, become a joyful blessing.
My travels seem to be over for the immediate future. And I'm sad about that. At the same time, it's a blessing to be home again. It's a blessing to be home where it's easier to maintain those healthy and important routines.
Of course, routines can be boring and tedious. Or they can be life-giving and energizing.
When it comes to spiritual disciplines, I'm a fan of the routine. It's often what keeps me alive.