Every morning and night, I cleanse my face, apply toner, and smooth moisturiser over my face. Usually, I slap through the process in under 10 seconds, whilst thinking through the day or worrying about tomorrow. Very occasionally, I pause and feel the contact of my fingers on my face, and consider it as a treat. I remember my body, and it becomes an act of care for it. When I stop to consider my routine, I become aware of its purpose in my life. I honour my body.
Each day, when I am good, I read a Bible commentary or the Church of England’s Daily Prayer app. I try to pause, but sometimes it feels like a race to get through to the end. Sometimes my eyes glaze over and the words slide right over my brain and out the other side of my head. Occasionally, I stop in the middle of the routine, and I remember my soul and the God who cares for it. When I stop to consider my spiritual routine, I remember its purpose. I care for my soul, as God cares for me.
Without routines, we would not care for ourselves. Without routines, we don’t see growth. The intention is there, but the practice is absent. Our lives are made of our actions, our tiny practices, those moments of the day that punctuate and anchor our lives.
“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” Psalm 96:2 (NIV)
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- What daily routines help you care for yourself in body, mind and spirit?
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Daily (almost) exercise and time in prayer and bible study are the cornerstones of my routine. Thanks for sharing. Laurensparks.net
Tiny practices that anchor our lives…
Love that.
I love this post. It’s been a struggle lately to hang on to God being around and reading a light weights commentary on Luke’s gospel in costa has been a life saver for me