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In her sermon last Sunday, Pastor Alison spoke about how creating a Rule of Life can help move us toward life in all its fullness. Our initial reaction to the word "rule" may not be a positive one. But it is important to know that the root word of rule, regula, means straight stick — like a signpost guiding the way or a stake holding up a plant so it can more easily bear fruit. A Rule of Life — a concept which comes out of monastic traditions — can function similarly for us. The Sabbath Life explains it this way: “A rule can be fashioned either for personal or corporate use. It helps you get from where you are to where you want to be, or perhaps better, where God is inviting you to be. A rule is about habits rather than goals. A rule of life is a habit system. When we talk about habits, we’re talking about spiritual disciplines and spiritual practices. A sustainable system of healthy, spiritual habits is better than goal setting. Our habits make our days, and our days make our lives. Map out a system of habits you can do and then show up every day. Commit to your rule.” Pastor Alison shared about aspects of her own Rule of Life and said this: "All of these practices, and others, are helping to shape me into someone more able to embrace abundant life and unconditional love. They help me turn my attention to beauty and goodness. To be mindful and savor the present moment. To view myself as interconnected and interdependent. To consider the needs of people near and far, and of creation, alongside my own. To step deeper into mystery and into love."
When creating a Rule of Life, it is important to remember that it should be: 1) Personal: It should be unique to you and to your current season of life. What helps me move toward abundant life will be different than what helps you to do so. And what helps each of us now may be different than what will help us a year from now. 2) Lifegiving: A Rule of Life is meant to help us move toward life in all its fullness. It is not meant to be burdensome or to make you feel pressure, or guilt, or shame. If it starts to feel that way then your Rule needs some adjusting. 3) Stretching but Sustainable: A Rule of Life should help us to grow, so it needs to be just a bit stretching. But it should also be attainable and sustainable. Your rule should include habits and practices that are realistic for you today, not some imaginary version of yourself that may or may not exist in the future. 4) Co-created with God: Just like God used the manna distribution system to help shape the Israelites, God wants to work with us to help move us toward abundant life. So, when creating a Rule of Life, do so prayerfully with God’s guidance. Try to discern God’s lifegiving invitations for you during this season of life.
Examples From: www.ruleoflife.com Steps for Creating a Rule of Life (adapted from The Sabbath Life): Step 1: Set aside time on your calendar Chances are, life is busy. Who has time to think this through and put it together? If that’s the case, you can’t afford not to. Make an appointment with yourself. Block the space on your schedule in the same way you would a meeting with a friend or client. Make it non-negotiable. If you can, make a personal retreat out of it. Step 2: Pray Make space to listen to God, really listen. Be quiet. Be patient. Wait through all the churn of thoughts on the surface of your mind and invite the Holy Spirit to take you deeper. What kind of person is God inviting you to be in this season of life? Don’t simply list all the things you feel guilty about not doing. Listen deeper. Be patient and allow yourself to be led by God." Step 3: Identify your “big rocks” Think of some of the big categories in your life. They may be family or work. They may be related to personal development or church life. Step 4: Put everything on paper There’s not a wrong way to do this. Brainstorm. Give a word to every idea. Get everything out of your head. Put it on paper (or digital document). Worry about editing it later. That stray idea hovering in the corner of your mind you may discover is essential. In this step allow yourself the luxury of bad ideas. They’re just ideas. Don’t judge them just yet. Step 5: Prioritize and eliminate non-essentials Okay, now you can judge your ideas, once they’re all out in the open. Once you see them all together, like so many pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, you can start to sort them out. This is a step that may be helpful to experience with a spiritual director or mentor. Look for patterns and connections. Ruthlessly cross things out and commit yourself to the most important things. Step 6: Share it with someone Talk it out with your spiritual director, your spouse, your trusted peers. Listen to their feedback. Are you being realistic? Are you being gracious to yourself? Where are you challenging yourself? Are there blind spots you’re missing? Is this a religious self-help wish list or is it truly a plan for being drawn deeper into the heart of Jesus? Ask for help. Welcome accountability. Step 7: Revisit it over time and revise At its best, a Rule of Life is a fluid document. As you grow and change, so will it. Take 10 minutes once a week to check-in with yourself and look over your Rule. What’s working? What’s not working? What can be tweaked? Maybe you do this check-in once a quarter or once a year. Set a reminder on your calendar. Don’t forget to actually do it. This may be the most important step.
Examples From: www.ruleoflife.com
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