As I got out of bed this morning at 6:00am I began my routine. I went downstairs and put water in the kettle and plugged it in. I got the mug ready and placed the loose leaf tea (Earl Grey Suave) from David’s Tea in the stainless steel filter that sits over the mug. I picked up my NLT bible and my two journals and sat down at the dining room table. All was quiet as I opened up to 1 Peter 2 where I am currently reading and reflecting. I opened up my first journal where I write down my thoughts from the scripture that I am reading. All was at peace as I mentally prepared to receive whatever was there for me this morning. The next hour was a time for me to hear from God, and for me to speak to God.

Once my scripture reading and reflecting was complete, I opened up my personal journal to write about the previous day and what is coming up this day. This journal often turns into written prayers as I seek wisdom, offer thanks or confess a failure.

And although the time, place and rhythm has changed during different seasons of my life, I can’t help but claim these times, places and rhythms and declare them as sacred for me – this has become essential if I am to maintain a relationship with God that is life-giving.

And please understand, I never allow these practices to be worshipped in and of themselves. I will change them up if they are no longer working for whatever reason. However I also realize that sometimes I simply need to “keep on keeping on” for the sake of my own growth and not allow my feelings or lack of motivation to be the driving force behind changing it up always either. Interestingly, if I go away for a vacation, I quickly try to find the sacred time, place and rhythm that will work for that brief time period.

And not only does this rhythm build into my life and keep me from wandering down self-centred paths,   I’ve discovered that it makes a statement to my family that I was not expecting.

I recall a situation about 8 years ago when I was journaling, sitting on the couch in our living room in the early evening. My mother called and my son answered the phone. During the conversation she must have asked him what I was doing. As a blessing to me, I believe that God allowed me to hear his reply. “He’s writing in his journal,” he said to her. “He always does that.”

I wish that I could declare to you that I have always maintained these times, places and rhythms, I have not. I have had seasons where I have stumbled through sporadic times with God, where the journal seldom came out, where the bible was read far too infrequently, and when my prayers were few and far between. And yet I can say that, having lived through many spiritual ups and downs over the years, I will fight for and search out these times, places and rhythms with more fervour than ever. I have come to realize that if I don’t, I will find myself limping through life, having shallow relationships, becoming increasingly selfish and self-absorbed, and becoming confident in things that ultimately have no value and that will always eventually disappoint.

As leaders of others, we are modelling what it means to seek God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. I encourage you to find your sacred time, sacred place and sacred rhythm. And don’t let anything get in its way. You will never regret this.

For the kingdom.