Last week I suggested a better metric than work-like balance.
To find your personal pace of abiding. The pace of living that best facilitates walking with Jesus.
Which leads to a natural question….where do I start?
I recommend finding markers that help you gauge your life’s pace. These are ways to create signals so you can know whether your life may be a bit too fast or you might be in need of some much-needed time with Jesus.
These markers will look different for everyone but here are three that work well for me.
1) Am I struggling to be grateful?
Every morning, I write out 1-3 things I’m grateful for before I begin working.
When I’m living in a healthy rhythm, this isn’t a challenging task. When I’m struggling to find something to be grateful for, I know something is off.
I need to spend time reflecting on what’s going on, where I’m at, and what needs to change.
2) Am I having thoughts worth writing down?
Most of what I write—including this newsletter—begins as a random thought that pops into my head.
And when these thoughts come, I immediately write them down so they’re not lost forever. And these quick thoughts grow into my writing.
But if I’m not having thoughts worth capturing, this is usually a sign my life is moving too quickly and I’m not having the best mental inputs.
3) The grocery store test
What do I do immediately when waiting in line at the grocery store?
If I take this natural pause to pray, think, or just observe my surroundings then I’m usually in a good place.
But if I immediately reach for my phone to scroll Twitter, check email, or just be distracted from the mundane, I know this is an issue.
Find your markers
For the rest of this week, I encourage you to find your markers.
Look for the things that are red flags. Moments that let you know that you may need to slow down and re-assess.
You may need to find a better pace to walk and live with Jesus.