Patterns Matter

We learn new skills more quickly if we can figure out a repetitive pattern. The familiarity we find in the rhythm of something new helps us remember how to perform that task correctly. This works really well for athletic skills, but also helps us in developing new habits. In fact, I believe we can even help ourselves mature by examining patterns that already exist in our life:

• Moments in life when you are most receptive to God's lessons
• Times when you have experienced the most positive growth
• Areas of negative choices that need to be avoided
• The various people we associate with & our behavior in that company
• Places we frequent & our actions based on that environment
• Our response to changing circumstances

Understanding our existing behavioral rhythms will help us see the need for continuing positive patterns as well as establishing new, healthier ones.

A Closer Look

There is an ancient Christian practice called the prayer of examen. It was intended to be part of a

Sabbath reflection even though it has merit for each day. To take part in this liturgical devotion you would find a place to be quiet and ask two revealing questions.

1. Where did I feel most alive, most hopeful, most in the presence of God? 
2. Where did I feel most dead, most despairing, farthest from God?

Our answers will reveal the truth of how we see ourselves and our awareness of what brings us fulfillment. Inevitably, there will be weeks when it seems that we spend the bulk of our time in efforts that drain us emotionally. The key to peaceful maturity is to be able to stay in step with the Holy Spirit as we gain recognition of the small, life-giving things that God is working in our lives each day. This will help us celebrate these moments of spiritual prosperity while disciplining ourselves to stay centered in daily, life-giving practices with God.

Self Check-Up

We had intended to open our services tomorrow by dropping things into a small pool on stage and seeing how big of a splash we could create. Unfortunately, the pool had a leak in it and now there is water on the stage instead. I had even stacked two kiddie pools inside one another and laid down plastic, but apparently the leak was big enough that those steps didn't matter. It's clear now that I should have checked the pools more thoroughly before putting water in them.

We should regularly examine ourselves in the same manner. We can't assume that our spiritual relationship is still strong when we don't perform regular checkups. It's foolish to assume that your marriage is rolling right along when you haven't stopped to assess the health of your spouse. Don't pretend that your children are just fine because their schedules are busy when you haven't paused to really find out how they are doing. Failing to be diligent in faithfully examining ourselves will leave a bigger mess than a puddle of water on the carpet.