Routine, Rut or Grave?

When we lost our home in July, 2008, due to flooding from Hurricane Dolly, the pattern of our life was turned upside down. We had lived in our south Texas home for almost 12 years, and had just renovated the whole place 2 years before. We had totally remodeled it, putting on a new roof, new windows, gutting the interior, extending the kitchen and office, adding on an enclosed garage and in general making it just what we wanted it to be. We were comfortable and settled.

Following 12 inches of water throughout the house for one week, the new laminate wood flooring and all the walls were ruined. We decided to take this opportunity to move back to Iowa where both of our families are located so that we could be near them again. So we did, just in time for this cold and snowy winter.

Lately, I've been reflecting on the pattern that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

First, there is newness, chaos, upheaval present which forces me to be "on the edge of my seat" both spiritually and psychologically. At this time I am most open to the Spirit of God, and most willing to move in any new direction that that Spirit seems to be leading. This is always an exciting and very growth-producing period.

Then, as I begin to settle into the new situation and circumstances, I develop a routine to better manage and deal with the ordinary happenings of each day. This routine frees up energies from the mundane tasks for the growth opportunities that life presents. For example, if I don't have to expend energy on finding my clothes, brushing my teeth or locating my files in my office (because all these things are now routine), then I can put my energy into learning the nuances of the new job that I have begun or building new relationships or whatever the day-to-day happenings present. Routines can be very beneficial.

However, the third stage in this progression slowly insinuates itself. After a while, a routine can gradually transform itself into a rut. This rut then wears itself deeper and deeper into the fabric of life until there comes a point at which there is no longer any freedom for the Spirit to move. Herein lies the danger: the only difference between a rut and a grave is that the rut is still open on both ends. In other words, if a rut can be recognized for what it is, escape is possible. When it is not recognized, and continues, it can become a grave and kill the Spirit within.

Fortunately, in my life, God has never let me get to the grave stage before blasting me out of the rut. Sometimes it has taken a hurricane to get my attention. However, I have learned to welcome the chaos and upheaval as preludes to the growth and newness of life which is being offered. As I bring my energies to bear "on the edge of my seat", my sharpened focus leads me into the wonderful freedom, excitement and growth that God is holding out.

This pattern has repeated itself so many times in my life that it has become an old friend with whom I am very comfortable. I no longer get quite as upset or discouraged by the unexpected, the tumultuous or the tragic. They are merely the opportunities for new beginnings.

Where are you in your life at this point: "on the edge of your seat", in a routine, a rut or a grave?