Seasons, Rhythms, and Soul Care

September always feels like the start of a new chapter. We’ve turned the page on summer and stepped into a new season—fall. The kids are in school, pumpkin spice beverages are brewing, and life has a new rhythm.

Over my nearly forty years of parenting, I’ve walked through many seasons. Parenting newborns, toddlers, and teens. The academic years—private school, homeschool, pubic school, and special education. Graduations and weddings. Kinship and international adoption. Caring for aging parents and becoming a grandparent.

I no longer have kids in school. My current season includes raising two young adults with FASD. One lives in an apartment attached to our garage, drives, and works full time. While he requires some support he is semi-independent. The other kiddo lives at home, does not drive, and works part time but requires ample support. His schedule impacts the rhythm of my days.

Through every season, there is one rhythm that has sustained me—beginning each day at the feet of Jesus.

Routines and Rhythms

When I began walking with God over thirty years ago, I established an early morning routine: reading my Bible, journaling, and coffee. It evolved over the years depending on what stage of parenting and adoption we were in.

Some seasons, I had to scratch and claw my way to the couch for my quiet time. At times, it was rushed because I got up too late or had to leave for an appointment. Or too short because a child got up earlier than expected or the phone rang. But I was determined to start each day with the Lord.

There were times I attended a women’s Bible study and times I couldn’t because we homeschooled. That’s when I would purchase a Bible study and work on it during my quiet time so I could be in the Word—learning and growing.

Over the years some of my morning routines have included journaling through a book in the Bible—I savored my season in the Psalms. I’ve used a devotional, a prayer journal, and a gratitude journal. Whatever the Lord put on my heart I would follow. He’s always been faithful to lead me to whatever I needed in a particular season.

Over time, as I prioritized meeting with the Lord, a pattern developed. Not a rigid religious routine, but rather a life-giving rhythm. Starting each morning with Jesus sets me on the right path and helps me walk with Him throughout the day. I love how Matthew 11:28-30 reads in the Message Bible:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

The daily practice of studying God’s Word, spending quiet moments in prayer, and listening for His voice is how we grow in our relationship with Him. However, there are obstacles on this faith journey.

Rhythm Robbers

There are robbers that threaten to steal your quiet time. Let’s face it—the only one who gains from us losing our time with God is the enemy. The devil will throw every distraction our way and even help us come up with excuses for not taking the time: I’m too tired. My kids get up too early. I’m too busy. I’m not a morning person.

Perhaps the biggest threat to our time with Jesus is the device we hold in our hands. According to an online Consumer Affairs article, the average American spends approximately four and half to five hours each day on their phone. That adds up to two and a half months out of a year.

One evening after an overwhelming day, I was mindlessly scrolling on my phone. After checking the news and weather apps I turned to social media. I added to my story, checked my likes and comments, watched a video by a Christian comedian, saw a clip of 1970s sitcom I watched as a kid, shared a post from a page I follow, and watched a few reels.

When I realized an hour had passed, I thought, What have I gained by this senseless scrolling? The honest answer? Nothing. Getting lost in cyberspace didn’t add one thing to my life—but it did steal precious time. Time I could have spent reading my Bible, praying, reading a devotional, or Christian nonfiction or fiction book. Endeavors that would fill my cup rather than drain it.

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

Is anything worth more than your soul?

Matthew 16:26 NLT

If we added up the seconds spent scrolling each day, would they outweigh the time we spend with the Lord? Technology can be used for good—there are lots of helpful apps I use daily. But it can also be a tool the enemy tempts us with to keep us from growing in Christ.

We can’t afford to not meet with the Lord each day. Yes, getting up thirty minutes earlier is a sacrifice, especially if you haven’t already established a routine. However, there is so much more to be gained than losing a half-hour of sleep or scrolling time.

Benefits of an established quiet time:

• A stronger relationship with the Lord

• Spiritual growth

• Strength for the journey

• Wisdom

• Guidance

• Rest

• A calmer nervous system

Soul Care for Every Season

A dedicated time to sit at the feet of Jesus each day is part of my soul care routine. I relish my current season with a kid who works nights and sleeps in, which allows me to linger longer with the Lord. After four decades of parenting, I’ve earned it. Whatever season you’re currently in, now is the time to establish a regular meeting time with God.

Establishing a daily rhythm of sitting with the Lord will be unique to each of us. We all have different family dynamics, schedules, and lives. As I mentioned above, my quiet time has changed over the years depending on the season. Wherever you find yourself, below are some helpful suggestions to get started—or to inspire you if your routine has gotten dull.

First, choose a time when you’re less likely to be interrupted. Before the kids wake up is my favorite time because the house is quiet. For me, mornings have always been best. If I don’t meet with Jesus first thing, the day will take over, and I won’t get to it at all. You’ll have to be flexible and adjust depending on what season you’re in. Find what works for you and stick with it.

• Select a quiet spot—I enjoy my comfy couch.

• Curl up with a cozy blanket.

• Bring coffee in a favorite mug.

• Grab your Bible, pen, and highlighter.

• Have a couple of journals handy—I use one for gratitude and one to write verses and prayers.

• Include a devotional, Bible study, commentary, or Christian nonfiction book.

• Don’t forget pens and highlighters.

• Add pretty sticky notes and notecards.

• Light a candle.

• Silence your cell phone.

Years ago, I bought a beautiful basket big enough to hold my books and accessories. I keep it by the couch, ready for my morning quiet time. The basket has handles, which makes it easy to move from one location to another. If someone is in the living room, I can easily move to my bedroom. In the summer, I like to sit on my porch to read my Bible. The basket is convenient and portable, making it easy for me to spend time with Jesus anywhere.

Rhythms of Grace

Jesus invites us to come to Him—to spend time with Him. It is there, in His presence, we find rest for our souls, peace for today, and strength for the journey.

As we step into the fall season, I encourage you to prioritize meeting daily with Jesus. Walk with Him and learn His unforced rhythms of grace.