Refining Our Habits

Several weeks ago, I rotated our dining room table 90 degrees. A small change. Honestly, I did it because the low sun was blasting Jesson and me in the eyes during supper. Simple. Problem solved. That is until the family gathered around the table that evening and everyone had a blank look on their faces. No one knew where to sit. I had disrupted the rhythm of coming and sitting at the table. There were unexpected grumblings from the kids, nothing felt right. The words, “we will never get used to this,” were spoken by a 9 year old who loves routine. 

We fall into the same routines, patterns, or rhythms with little to no intention. Habits inform our days whether we ascribe meaning to them or not. Even the little ones, they matter. 

What happens when we allow the gospel to shape our habits? One thing I think it does is change our perception of time. We greet our days with purpose. 

Colossians 3:23-24 says, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord, you’ll receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Our time here on earth is limited. We wait patiently for an eternity with Jesus. But while we wait, we have work to do. We have good news to share and disciples to make. When we infuse the gospel into areas we already have rhythms and routines for, we ascribe meaning to our time. 

While it took several days of testing out new spots at the table, we all eventually landed on a seat that we now call “our spot.” Sure, there was an adjustment period, but a few things that didn’t change were the habits that had already been intentionally cultivated around the table. The whole family gathers together to eat, we pray, we share highs and lows of the day, we leave our phones elsewhere, and we spend time together with purpose. 

Look for the already established rhythms you have and ascribe meaning to them. Instead of just a drive to school, you pray with a car full of kiddos before sending them out for the day ahead. Instead of scrolling during lunch break, maybe you read your Bible or spend some time in prayer. Instead of just eating the dinner, you ask what was the rose (the high from the day) and the thorn (the low). Refining our habits is not easy work, and it’s likely uncomfortable, but Jesus is worthy of our time.