Rhythms

From the beginning, there’s a rhythm.  Creation/Rest.  

This cadence is woven into the fabric of creation. Day/Night. Light/Dark. Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall. the tides. Life/Death.  Even the words in Genesis describing God’s design have a cycle (God created, it was good).  Our very own hearts beat in a pattern.

We plan our lives around this pulse.  Awake/Asleep.  Work/Play.  Weekday/Weekend.     Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.  Academic Year/Summer Vacation.

In its wisdom, the Church has provided a cadence as well.  Liturgy of the hours.  Mass.  Sabbath.  Fast/Feast.  The Liturgical calendar following the mystery of Christ’s life.  

When we allow ourselves to be lead by the rhythms that God has created in us and around us, we are reminded of God’s story and our story within it.  We are refreshed and drawn in deeper communion with Him.  Over time these formations, though small, help us grown in holiness and relationship.

This idea of rhythm, pattern, and cadence can be applied to our marriages and families as well.  Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly practices renew us and draw us into a deeper connection with God and with each other.  If we are not intentional about the rhythms we create in our marriages, they will be created for us.   

Rhythms we practice and have found helpful:

Daily:  Prayer together, affirmation, prayer for each other, a simple “How are you?” 

Weekly:  Sabbath well, date*, Long runs/walks

Monthly:  Bigger date, Marriage meeting*

Yearly: get-away, Intentional Intermission 

*Date rules:  no budgeting or calendaring
*Marriage meeting: a time for budgeting, calendaring, checking in on how rhythms are going

UPDATE:

Many of you have asked for more on how to develope meaningful rhythms. We are currently working on an Intentional Intermission Journal (printed and pdf) to help you reflect, discuss and purposfully plan. Stay Tuned.