Growing Past Hunt and Peck

To their initial dismay, my wife and I encouraged (made is actually more accurate) our sons to take time this summer to learn to type.  They - like me, to be honest - were quite content to "hunt and peck."  Now, however, they know and use "Basic Position."  All who know how to type in such a manner enjoy the advantage of the ability of keeping their eyes on their monitor rather than their fingers.  Typists develop muscle memory, memory that enhances and speeds their keyboarding skills. 

Muscle memory proves to be valuable in everything from typing letters to gracing the ivories and from shooting threes to launching Titleists off tees.  So, too, in spiritual growth.

While muscle may not play a significant role in spiritual growth, memory does.  Perhaps most famously, Richard Foster devoted a whole work to spiritual growth memory in his, now classic, Celebration of Discipline.

In order to grow spiritually, one must commit to developing habits that become such through repetition.

Who do you think gains the most from the Bible? 
Those who read it regularly.

Who do you think develops a positive prayer life?
Those who pray often.  (Paul did without ceasing!)

Who do you think feels the power of worship?
Those who participate in church community.

Who do you think receives answers from God?
Those who ask questions of God.

Do you desire a closer relationship with God?  If so, start today developing the habits that will, through repetition, strengthen your faith and enrich your relationship with your Father.  You can do this within your Ordinary Life.  In the words of Foster . . .

We must not be led to believe that the Disciplines are only for spiritual giants and hence beyond our reach, or only for contemplatives who devote all their time to prayer and meditation.  Far from it.  God intends the Disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings:  people who have jobs, who care for children, who wash dishes and mow lawns.  In fact, the Disciplines are best exercised in the midst of our relationships with our husband or wife, our brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors.  (page 1)  . . .
The primary requirement is a longing after God. (page 2)

In your relationship with God, settle not for "hunt and peck;" learn to keep your eyes on the Maker.

#ordinarylives

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Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline. San Francisco: Harper, 1998.