Priorities Shape Routine – Abide in the Vine

Once you’ve recognized priorities for the year, former procrastinators, then you can set up routine that will help you accomplish those priorities.  I see routine needed for 1) functioning smoothly day to day and for 2) accomplishing other things you believe God has particularly called you to do.

Before school starts, practice your chosen routine so some of the kinks can be exposed and worked out before the pressure of actual school days.  This reveals what or who needs attention. Tweak your plan.

Maybe test run these ideas:  set alarms for get up, begin earlier bedtimes, pack lunches ahead, lay out clothes the night before, meet at the door or kitchen table at the appointed time.  How did it go?  What needs refining?

For detailed ideas of how to approach this, see Routine Practice – Preparing to Get Out the Door   

Consider where to build in time to focus on your special interest.  (Routine Makes Special Happen)

For those who have the freedom to decide how to use most of your day…Uh oh.

Freedom opens the door for opportunities – and for procrastination and neglect.  Structure helps close the door on frittering away valuable time. That’s why more than ever, I need deliberate routines in my day.  They help me abide in the Vine.

There was a time I’d say “when I don’t have all this school/ work/ etc., then I can _____.”  Nevertheless, it can be beneficial to have requirements on us.  They can keep the “lazies” away and help us take action because we’re already in action mode.  Without imposed requirements, it’s important to create our own action mode.

So, even if you’re not preparing for school days or working for an employer, make a deliberate routine for yourself based on priorities.

Don’t plan every day to the max. Save wiggle room so you can be available for the unexpected.  A friend young or old may need help.  A fun opportunity may arise.  And remember, “lazies” are sometimes healthy.

Look for ways to serve.  Maybe through church or volunteering in the community. Maybe family gives the chance to serve. Babysitting, cooking a dish, hosting a dinner. Can you supervise homework, teach colors and counting? Can you pick up grandkids on certain days and have significant conversations in the car?  Thinking and praying ahead helps with priorities.

If your day is already filled with demands, pray for breaks.  Choose a way to pause and protect that time. Even ten minutes to close your eyes and breathe deeply will refresh and restore some balance.

Think and imagine.  Ask yourself, “What would I LIKE to do since I get to choose?  What is God’s direction for me?”  You do not have to follow the pattern you always have.  Branch out. In fact, ask yourself this even if you are dealing with school and work.  There just might be something new for you.

Build priorities into routine for purposeful days.

What priorities will shape your routines?