Back to School Rhythms
In the last few weeks I’ve seen lots of First Day BACK TO SCHOOL photos and posts. We too have begun our homeschooling year. This means new rhythms, schedules, and routines for us all! In our household we have approached our schooling differently each year, bringing in new rhythms and workflows into our eclectic mix.
I’ve talked about rhythms a lot in my coaching but the question is….what is the significant difference in rhythms versus routines or schedule?
AND… why do I choose to conduct our day in rhythms rather than creating schedules or calling it routines?
When we began homeschooling 8 years ago, my desire was to slow down; cultivate a life that better suited our family. I wanted more margin, or “white space” as I call it, and was committed to be intentional yet more relaxed within our time. I disliked the idea that every minute of our day be packed , rushing from one thing to the next. Although I wanted a focused and productive day using the words schedule and routine seems rigid to me. As I struggled through the early years, each time I tried to structure our day according to any kind of time schedule, it never seemed to work for us.
Think about it?
A (music) rhythm ebbs and flows, it can speed up or slow down, and sometimes there is even a pause now and then.
In contrast the slightest misstep or delay in a schedule can lead to the unraveling of a day, causing frustration and anxiety; leaving you to wonder how you will ever recover.
I know, I know some of you thrive on the accountability and self-leadership aspect of holding a schedule; and that is perfectly fine.
But those of you who, like me, struggle to recover EVERY. SINGLE. TIME….stay with me here.
If I hold so tightly to my schedule and plans, what might I be missing out on? God is the Father of all things including my time; so what opportunities and/or blessings might I be ignoring or turning down when my mind is set on my rigid schedule and checklist routines? I'm not being judgmental, this is just a thought God lead me to.
I’ve found myself in this place of questioning, more than once…and grieved over the answer.
If you are finding yourself in that place I hope you find the devotion below encouraging.
Welcomed Interruption {Devotional}
I was sitting on my back patio late morning that mid-August day. It was warm but the direct sun hadn't quite reached me yet. I had a wonderful quiet time with the Lord and my mind was now shifting to writing mode; or at least I thought that was the direction I was heading.
Until…I saw my teenage daughter through the screen door to the right of me. Stepping into the wood slat patio she paused for a moment for me to recognize her. Her computer was in hand; she had just started her 9th grade year of homeschooling the week before.
“Mommy can you help me edit this paper for English class?”
A paper already?
I took a deep breath and set aside my notebook. MY WRITING would have to wait. My current rhythm took a short pause then shifted to a new rhythm; from writer to homeschooling mom.
“Sure Baby, let's do this together,” I answered.
“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Today I welcomed the interruption.
It grieves me to say that I've not always answered with such a welcoming and peaceful heart. So many times in our homeschooling years I've tried to work while my kids did school independently, but when I was pulled away my response was often irritable because my work time was interrupted. However the result of my pride and wanting to stick to my work time rhythm often led to irritability and ultimately anxiety.
Earlier in that chapter of Proverbs 16, verse 7 says this:
“When a man's ways please the LORD he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. "
Choosing to take a breath and set aside my work….
Choosing to allow margin in my day so that my work can be picked up at a later time…
Choosing my role as a homeschooling mom first…
This pleases the Lord; therefore gaining peace over my “enemies” of irritability and anxiety over unfinished work.
The biggest blessing that I receive from the Lord is the treasured time I get to spend with my daughter who loves to learn. Maybe she will even become a writer, only God knows this.
I encourage you as you evaluate a new season, whether you choose to keep a schedule, routines, or rhythms, ask yourself, “am I allowing margin for God's opportunities and blessings”.
Read Proverbs 16
Take time to journal what the Lord shows you about how he wants you to plan your day.
Think back to some times you may have missed opportunities or blessings because you didn’t allow margin. How could you change this in future decisions?