Rhythms

Musically, I am a harmony girl. I’ve been an alto all of my life, so I have always sung the harmony part. I love everything about it. The way 2 parts join together to create a richer, deeper sound makes my heart soar. When I hear a new song, if I can hear the chorus once, I will be singing harmony the next time around. My boys sometimes chuckle at me when they hear me harmonizing to a brand new song before it’s even over. They know it’s my thing.

Rhythms are another matter entirely. They don’t come naturally to me. I have to work at them.

It’s the same in daily life. I need a rhythm, a routine; but it doesn’t come naturally. I often feel as if I have been running through my days trying to force a routine that doesn’t fit. My inner critic has been loudly reminding me of what I haven’t been accomplishing.

Reality check though: I have autoimmune diseases and I have to choose how I spend my energy carefully. Sometimes I run out of energy before I run out of day. And…. oh yeah, we are also in the middle of a pandemic.

This week I came across a scripture that I have read and loved for my whole life. It is especially beautiful to me in Eugene Peterson’s The Message. When I read it this week, however, it hit me in a brand new way. Let me share it with you:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

Notice that phrase that I emphasized. “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” Now I don’t know about you, but sometimes I try to force myself to do what I have decided is the “right” way to connect with God - the “right” way to structure my days. After all, I have been a Christ follower since I was eight. Surely I know what the “right” way looks like. The problem is that I (my people pleasing, good girl self) have listened more to what evangelical culture says is the “right” way to be a follower than what my heart needs.

Thankfully the Spirit has been teaching me a new thing about rhythms recently. Both my Counselor and my Spiritual Director have been talking to me about the difference between practices that are life-giving and ones that are life draining. I often try to do too much of what I think is right and not enough of what brings me close to God and makes my heart soar.

Here’s a truth, y'all: There are so many ways to connect with God and spend time in God’s presence. But not every practice is right for me in every season. Just because we have been told that something is “how we spend time with God” doesn’t mean it is the only way.

For most of my life I have focused on a certain kind of Bible study and a certain type of prayer. I did it, but it didn’t always bring me closer to God or transform my life. In the last few years I have discovered new ways of connecting with God. The practices that have given me life have been things like creativity and meditation and prayer writing. Doing these things feel natural and hopeful. They help me understand who God is and who I am created to be. But I am still exploring.

During the summer, what sparked for me were the liturgies that have been used for ages by followers of Christ. I explored the Daily Office and Celtic prayer books in my morning and evening routines. They made me curious and reminded me that I am part of a bigger whole.

However, a few weeks ago, my soul was restless and overwhelmed. I felt Holy Spirit prompting me to dive deep into just one practice: prayer writing. So I’m focusing now on spending my writing time in God’s presence and listening well.

God is always doing a new thing. I think the biggest truth for me in this journey is that how I encounter God will change. I can try new things. I can let something go for a season. As I am transformed, I will find new ways to hear the Spirit’s voice.

It should never be drudgery and tedious.

Yes, there is a discipline to our walk with Christ. But look for the places that spark your curiosity and ignite your passion. Do what makes you feel fully yourself. After all, you are created on purpose - with a purpose. Growth and transformation will happen organically when your spiritual practices are life giving.

So I want to hear from you: What spiritual practice makes you come alive? What sparks your curiosity? What have you tried lately that brings you joy? Share your life giving practices in the comments. And maybe even share what doesn’t work for you too - it is just as important to know what is life- draining.