Consistency

Lately I have been evaluating how I so quickly can fall off “the wagon.” And for the sake of transparency, I mean any wagon that I want to be on whether it be the exercise, daily Bible reading, daily vitamins, cleaner language, or mindful eating wagon.

Mind you, I want to be on each of those wagons.

Finding ways of doing things without thinking — like automatic routines — can help me in most of those cases.

Having a buddy to walk with, read the Bible with, a simple vitamin organizer, more time around grandchildren, or great food choices in the house and paying attention to my hunger and enough cues are all ways I have tried to set myself up for success. I definitely benefit from a bit of accountability and routine or I get pulled by the sway of the day and my emotions at the moment.

I look at these things as guardrails or curbs that benefit me — both in the short term and the long term.

And, if the idea of guardrails or curbs sounds a wee bit familiar, you might be thinking about your small catechism — and some of the purpose of the law.

You can delve into all of it here: https://catechism.cph.org/

I do like to hold books in my hand but since my phone or computer are never too far away from me, it is really nice to have Luther’s Small Catechism handy.

At any rate, God gives us resources to be successful even though He knows we cannot do any of it apart from Him. So, He provides for our successes while acknowledging we will fail. He loves us even so and this week we hear about it in so many different ways.

I pray you will take time to see what ways God provides for you and recognize those good gifts. This is the week we see the depths of His love and let it permeate us in a deeper way. And let us carry forward what we learn and share it far and wide!