Encouragement for Both of Us

You’d think that since I’ve moved from one country to another before, it wouldn’t be too overwhelming. But there are so many things to do that some days I wonder what I’ll forget to do instead of if I’ll forget to do something. Yesterday morning, however, I woke up and remembered my old routine.

I used to have a morning routine that set my day on course the way I wanted it. There are five things I used to do every morning – didn’t matter what order I did them so long as they were mostly the first five things I did every day. I’d exercise, shower (okay, those two really should go in that order), make the bed, wash any dishes in the sink (remember the FLYlady routine of “step 1 – shiny sink”?), and sit down and talk to God about the day’s agenda (a.k.a. praying).

The craziness of the move has crowded my regular routine out of my mind, let alone my life. But I tried it again yesterday and the day went much smoother. I’m not going to place bets on whether I got more done than I would have if I’d just jumped into the day (but knowing me, I’d say I did). But I will tell you that I got through the day much calmer than my usual lately.

I don’t know if that calmer mind definitely affected my creativity or not, but I thought of two things yesterday to add to my story when I get back to it. One is a sign or plaque that will be on the wall in the headquarters (which I thought of while reading my Bible); the other is an idea to create an effect when different people or objects come together (which came to me as I was watching a movie with friends). I’m excited to add these ideas into the book when life evens out again.

I’m even more excited to see my own experience prove again to both of us that routines are helpful, no matter the timing or situation. I hope as your summer gets busier, you’ll find a routine that will encourage peace and creativity in your life, no matter how chaotic things get.