Lessons From Luke-The Importance of Routine

Meet my dog Luke. He is our 3 ½ year old Australian Sheppard, who God uses daily to teach me life lessons. He has also used Luke to improve on certain qualities that I lack.

For instance:

Patience
Kindness
Caring
Responsibilities
Sharing of your time

I also learned lessons the hard way from raising 2 puppies at the same time in the past. When we purchased Luke, we also took home his sister, Baylee. My husband and I raised them together for the first 2 years, but when our son got married he took Baylee with him.

However. today’s lesson was a different kind of learning experience. Continue reading and you will see how God used Luke’s life to teach me the importance of routine and order in my own life.

It began this morning as I sat in my living room feeling overwhelmed with all the things I wanted to do, and thinking of all the things I had to do. While I sat there looking into Luke’s sweet eyes I thought to myself “what a nice life he has.” We provide his food, and bring it to him. We clean up after him, and take care of all his needs. Also, he has the convenience of an expectant routine everyday which typically consists of:

Waking up at approximately the same time everyday (he’s our alarm clock.)
Going out to do his duty
Eating
Bringing me his toys/ball to play with him for the next half hour
Cuddling up beside me while I read God’s word
Following my husband or me around while we work at home
Helping with outside chores, so he thinks
Napping
Later on in the afternoon a game of catch the ball
Expectantly waits till 5:00 for dinner
Repeats some of the above process or goes for a walk
Then off to bed at 10:00pm

Finding a Sense of Security In Routine

Luke lives a very scheduled, predictable life. Occasionally, he will have a play date but other than that he has the same routine every day. He is content because his routine brings him comfort and security in his daily living.

While thinking about all this, I felt something inside say to me; “you could learn a lesson from Luke today.” Feeling the way I was, I Immediately knew what that meant. I needed to plan a routine, and organize my life from the chaos of clutter in my home, work and mind.

There are many people who like the spontaneous life, and I occasionally do too. However, I think the majority of us need some routine, and a sense of order in our lives. I believe this is true because if we were created in the image of God and the Bible portrays God as a God of order, than we inherit some of His qualities.

Choosing Order Over Chaos

We first see this quality of God in Genesis 1. The Lord had a plan for creation and He carried it out step by step, day by day. Later on in 1Corinthians 14; Paul is addressing the out of control, chaotic worship in the Corinthian Church. He tells them in verse 33; “God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.”

Perhaps if we follow the footsteps of our heavenly Father, we will rid some of the overwhelming chaos in our lives. Unfortunately, this is not a simple task because everyone’s life consists of different dynamics. With that in mind, I have some suggestions that might help you in the planning of a general daily routine.

8 Tips For Getting Your Life In Order

Step back and analyze your needs – A person who works 40+ hours a week will have a totally different routine than a stay at home mom, or a semi-retired person.
Evaluate what the most pressing concerns are in your schedule, family, and everyday living.
Make a categorized list, example: things I need to do/ things I want to do. Once you make your list began to pencil them in over a period of time; once you make a basic daily plan.
Make a detailed plan for short and long term goals
Make a daily plan, leaving a day for rest.
Leave room in your daily plan for mishaps, and taking a break
Pray – Ask God to bless your time and help you be disciplined to follow through with your plan
Start to build your routine

Routines Don’t Always Look The Same

Keep in mind, we are all different. What may work for one person may not for another. Also remember, life sometimes throws a curve ball that you weren’t expecting. It’s ok if you have to change things up for awhile. The important thing is; you are persistent in finding what is the best for you and your family.

Feel free to share in the comment section, ideas that work for you and your family.

Thanks for reading.