Life Rhythms

My schedule has changed drastically in the past week. As of January 1st, I am no longer working for the company that has employed me for the past 16 years. I am finally able to focus completely on Elk Creek Church, which I am very excited about and thankful for. I have to admit, it's really weird and I haven't completely processed it. For example, for the past 16 years I have called to my office to check my voicemail(this was the main form of communication for our company) many times each day. On Wednesday, I went to check my voicemail just in case a customer didn't get the memo on me leaving. I couldn't access my voicemail...it had been turned off! Wow...it hit me. It is over!

I am excited about this new season in our lives. New seasons bring about new rhythms. Here are some rhythm changes that I am looking forward to.

1. Monday is going to be my day off, my sabbath. For me, this day seems to make the most sense. On Monday I will decompress and not work. This means that I will shut down my phone and my email. This will be a day that I rest and spend some quality time with my family. I have to admit...this is going to be hard for me. I have a hard time shutting down. My mind is always going a million miles a minute, but taking a sabbath is extremely important. And, well...God commands it!

2. Tuesday & Wednesday are sermon prep days. I like to have the bulk of my sermon finished on Tuesday. Wednesday I refine it and put the finishing touches on it. I look over my notes several times each day on Thursday through Saturday.

3. Saturday night activities are pretty much off limits for me. I like to reserve early Saturday evening to prepare myself spiritually for Sunday morning and get to bed early so that I'm well rested for Sunday. I take the responsibility of teaching very seriously. I need to be prepared to offer God my very best.

4. I want to have more one on one times with my kids. Some of the best talks with my kids have happened during our one on one time. My kids crave those times. My oldest asks me often, "daddy, when are we going on another date?"

5. There will be more dates with my wife in 2008! We spend lots of time together as a family, but not enough time together alone.

6. One of the biggest things that I am looking forward to is uninterrupted blocks of time to study God's Word and seek His face. If I'm going to lead an organization that is going to be a catalyst for life change, I need to hear from God. I need to stay fresh, focused, and seek the heart of God for His vision. This was tough for me when I was working two full time jobs.

These are just some of the life rhythm changes that are taking place in my life. What are some rhythm changes that you are making in your life this new year?