Creating a Rule of Life (and why they've always failed me)
OR if you don't have time to read this TOME, check out St. Benedict on the Freeway for those of us on the go!
Here is my "rule"
- Keep Sabbath on Fridays.
- Go to bed the same time as my wife.
- Rise early to spend time with Jesus.
- Spend time with those who “have less than”.
- Live more simply.
I first began working on this rule of life back in 2015! Before 2015, I had tried (and failed) a number of times at keeping a "rule." I would stick with it for a week or two and then it would fizzle. Why did it never seem to stick? What was I doing wrong?
Believe it or not, these five little self-revelations took no small amount of time, prayer, and energy to flesh out. I am indebted to CREDO (a ministry of the episcopal church) for guiding me in creating this rule. Everyone, clergy especially, should have the opportunity to form their own rule.
Last year, my wife, Samantha and I formed a "family rule of life" (I'll share later) from the same process I used at CREDO. We're still tweaking it but it's there on our fridge a reminder about what is important to us and to make an effort to live into those principles.
If you're interested in forming your own "rule" here are some basic steps:
- What are 4-6 core beliefs that are most important to you? Why?
- What are 4-6 core principles that you live by? Why
- Outline 8-10 actions that reflect these core principles.
- Now prioritize and pick 4-6 of these actions.
- Who will support you in each of these actions? Who will keep you accountable?
- How often will you accomplish these actions?
Now that you've done the why and how work of the rule, you're more likely to stick to them. In 6 months, re-evaluate them. If something has changed, just alter them.
Also (and this is uber important) post them in your house. Print them and tape it to your desk. Trust me, you'll need the visual reminder if you want these practices to become habits.
Till next time, blessings on your life, friend! And thanks for reading!