The week between Christmas and New Years I spent time at our family’s cottage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we lovingly refer to as Koselig Cottage as it is truly the home of all things cozy. This year, I made time to cozy up in our built in swedish bed with a hot cup of coffee, reflect on 2020, and craft a Rule of Life for this new season.
I shared more about Rule of Life on this post, but as a refresher:
A rule of life is crafted with prayer and discernment and is the trellis we build our days upon.
It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussing and frettings; coming in out of the wind.
C.S. Lewis
Your Rule of Life is not another list of “shoulds” or “tasks” or “disciplines”, instead it is grace-filled rhythms that allow you to slow down, quiet the hurry and connect to our Creator.
My rule of life can be broken into a few core areas: Spirit, Body, Mind, Relationships, Home, Work, Resources/Finance. I crafted an intention for each area for 2021 that related to my goals and also rhythms of daily (d), weekly (w), monthly (m), quarterly practices (q), or yearly (y).
A few questions to consider as you ponder creating your own Rule of Life:
When you think about who you want to be, who God Created you to be, what do you choose to give attention to?
What is the current rhythm of your daily, weekly, life? What season are you in?
What brings delight and purpose to your days?
How do you connect with your Creator?
What does it look like to be in relationship with others? How can you live and learn alongside others?
My Rule of Life – 2021
Spirit:
I will live my life fully embracing the natural seasons God created and rhythms of the church calendar.
Grace-Full Rhythms: journal & scripture (d), Sabbath & examen (w), prayer cottage (q)
Body:
I will care for my whole person (mind, body, and soul) without guilt or shame.
Grace-Full Rhythms: Nourishing whole food (d), get outside (d), swim/yoga (w), message or salt room (m)
Mind:
I will prioritize rest & margin especially in intense ministry or personal seasons.
Grace-Full Rhythms: unplug from phone by 8 p.m. (d), read non-fiction (w), grow in community at a conference or class (q)
Relationships:
I will invest in my local community and love my people well (family, neighbors, cousins, co-workers, and friends)
Grace-Full Rhythms: listen & respond with grace (d), face to face (w), family vacation (y)
Home:
I will create a sanctuary of rest & beauty for myself and others who need a safe place to land.
Grace-Full Rhythms: tidy up and savor (d), check-in with neighbors (w), seasonal gathering (q)
Work:
I will step into each situation confident that God’s grace will work in me & show HIS power, not my own.
Grace-Full Rhythms: prioritize people (d), ece.com post (w), team connect (w), celebrate (q) Powersheets (y)
Resources:
I will be generous with my time, talent, and treasure. Sharing of the abundance of what I’ve been given and being wise with the rest.
Grace-Full Rhythms: mint track (d), no-shop sabbath (w), tithe+ (w), contentment challenge (y)
