Creatures of Habit: Humans have been described as creatures of habit, and rightly so. Whether intentionally or accidentally, it’s human nature to find ourselves deeply rooted in our routines. I have to admit, I find comfort and security in the regular routines, especially during the school year rhythm. I look forward to mostly knowing what to expect each day of the week. It’s like the rails of a train, moving me forward in an intentional and consistent direction.

  

Rut vs. Groove: In my own life I have observed that while there may be very little outward difference, being stuck in a rut is very different from being in the groove. The habits and rhythms of my life can be very intentional and beneficial – and that’s when I’m in the groove. Conversely, those same habits, if unexamined or accidental, are simply me being stuck in a rut. I want my habits and regular rhythms to keep me moving forward in the right and healthy direction, not stuck in a rut or on the treadmill of life. Life’s too short to waste; we need each day, each habit, and each action, to count for eternity.

  

Habit Formation: In the 1950’s, plastic surgeon Dr. Maxwell Maltz observed that his patients would take at least 21 days to adjust to a new norm. In his 1960 book, Psycho-Cybernetics, he wrote, “…observed phenomena tend to show that it requires of minimum of about 21 days for an old mental image to dissolve and a new one to jell.” Unfortunately, that has been overly simplified to commonly mean humans can form new habits in 21 days. Regardless how of long it takes to form a new habit, one thing is clear – it takes time and effort. It won’t happen on accident.

  

Spiritual Habits: There are a variety of spiritual habits that propel followers of Christ forward in their walk with the Lord. These are the intentional disciplines of believers who are continuously growing closer to God, regularly becoming more like Christ, and serving Him in powerful ways on a daily basis, simply as they go about their daily routines. When it comes to establishing a new spiritual habit, I find that natural transitions in my schedule, (like the beginning of a new school year, new season, new month, new calendar year,) are ideal times to begin.

  

Silence and Solitude: One of the spiritual habits that I’m currently working on establishing is that of silence and solitude. By nature I’m a people person and a workaholic. This means I’m often doing life at 90 miles per hour. But recently I was challenged and convicted as I was studying the habits of Jesus. Simply by surveying the gospel of Mark, I was astounded at how many times Jesus made a concerted effort to get away and find a quiet place, often out in nature. He did this so often that I had to conclude two things: 1) This was the habit of His life, His regular routine. 2) If it was good for Jesus, it’s probably good for me, too. When Jesus would get away for silence and solitude, He seemed to be very intentional, seeking: rest, peace, prayer, fasting, time to process or grieve, and connecting with His Father. I’ve found that if I’m not very intentional about carving out time, these things just don’t happen on their own.

  

Be still and be like Jesus: Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I’m trying to obey this command, making it part of my routine. If you’re like me, you want to be more like Jesus. I was encouraged by this thought: when we take time in silent solitude, the way Jesus did, in those moments, we’re just like Jesus. And that’s always a good thing. So I’m working on this spiritual habit, and I invite you to join me.