Did you have daily routines growing up?  Did you have daily chores given to you by your parents? What kind of expectations did you encounter every day? (homework, doing the dishes, babysitting a sibling, making your bed, etc.)

My parents had specific times to get up, eat breakfast, go to work, lunch time, nap time, dinner time, and so on.  When I got married, I had to explain to my husband, who had lived as a single man away from home for 10 plus years, that there was no grace period when it came to arriving at meals on time at my parent’s home. 

There is a peace that routines give to us.  In fact, many psychologists and doctors would agree that routines help us with our sleep, in keeping our desired weight, reduce anxiety and they can promote overall good communication.  It helps us in expectations and rhythms that we need to have in life.

You might say, “but routines are boring” or “I want freedom away from routines.”  Reflect with me some times in your life that routines helped you be successful.   What about getting to work on time? Or completing an assignment for a class?  Or meeting with a friend regularly to help them grow in Christ? Or think about how the routines of daily teeth care and regular dentist checkups help you reduce or prevent cavities. Routines should not be obsessions or controlling. Rather routines should be choices for a healthy lifestyle.

I reflected on daily family mealtime when I was a child.  While I am sure it was stressful for my mother to get the food on the table at just the right time, and I can’t say that all of us children were always helpful, she made it a priority to make it happen.  This became a family value of eating together that I have tried to pass on to my children.  A routine that promoted family communication and togetherness (and do not forget the various etiquette rules passed on during mealtimes)

Traditions or routines can be fun, something to look forward to.  Every afternoon, when there was a break from housework, my mother would have tea with Erma, our neighbor. They had their favorite teas and often tried new ones.  It was a time to rest and chat with someone in a similar life stage. I know my mother looked forward to this time together.

One of our daughters has a family tradition to have homemade hamburgers and fries (baked) every Sunday. It is something the whole family looks forward to each week.  They also have a family dance time most nights if dad is home, but only after all the toys are put away.  These are simple yet lifegiving routines. 

I have heard a Jewish Christian speaker give a seminar on Sabbath and then I read a few books on the rhythm of keeping Sabbath. The anticipation the Jewish community has of time together, rest and most importantly time in God’s word is something to admire and desire. I love my daily routine of spending time with Jesus.  I am also enjoying the rhythm of Sabbath. Despite the confusion, busyness, and sadness in the world, I find His peace in these times.

What routine do you look forward to?  Your “tea with Erma” may look quite different. How about a “tea with Jesus”? I hope that you will look forward to meeting with our Lord in a way that will satisfy your soul.