For the Family's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

Author:Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Crossway
Published: 2010-03-21T00:00:00+00:00

10

Contentment, Thanks,

and Enjoyment

Each bead on the string of routine has its simple place. The time I get up. What is best for us to do at this moment? For many of us, it is essential to our well-being not to rush into the day. The beginning of the day can be a “green pasture and still waters” time. If we start the day in a chaotic way, we’re already surrounded by an inner and outer sense of not having fitted into anything ordered. We can feel swept along and at the mercy of a fast-moving stream. We so easily lose the sweet result of making choices about what is most important, when that priority can fit in, and how essential responsibilities can be attended to calmly with our full attention. All of us laugh ruefully, having experienced days full of a swirl of activities like an uncontrolled flood when we’re not able to enjoy much of anything. In such situations we are also distracted by the jostle of the things we aren’t doing and only keep half an eye on what we are coping with. The unattended things seem overwhelming as their demands surface into our minds. This adds to our stress and confusion.

Lists can help us plan our days. This tool is especially useful if we clarify what must fit in, what we’d like to see fit in, and what can be pared off a too-full agenda. When we do such planning, we need to include our daily tasks, regular commitments, work, and projects; but we also need to provide the ordinary but vital everyday slots of time for life’s basic pattern. In other words, don’t forget regular meals, time together, time alone, relaxation, exercise, sleep, and so on. This is the framework into which you’ll have to find time for whatever else is on your list.

I’ve quoted Benedict’s rule once or twice so far. He was planning a community’s life pattern and then filled it out with wise life-giving content. As he based his rule on the authority of the Scriptures, its ages-old wisdom and simplicity guide us with principles for planning life uncluttered by the confusing too-much that surrounds us today.

It helped me no end to think on his advice to first of all set your necessary basic pattern of the everyday, and only then can you decide what, when, and how all the other demands can be fitted in. He clearly emphasizes that the basic routine won’t keep changing apart from appropriate flexibility when age or health demands it. This regularity is health-giving for body, mind, spirit—for the individual and for a group such as a family.

Routine gives us continuity and stability. If the routine is constantly having to be altered because of extra things to do or other people’s demands, we must think again. The basic healthful rhythm of life and its “discipline” are being eroded or damaged. Sleep and rest should be adequate so the person does not burn out. Too often we are like little pathetic trees all shriveled up through straining to keep up a fast pace for long hours.

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