What are your rhythms for a flourishing life?

This July was a unique month for me. For the first time since I stepped into this role, I didn’t travel for work. It also happened to be the month I turned 50—an age that has felt like a more significant milestone than when I turned 40. At 40, one often feels like they have gained some good life experience and maturity, but still felt like the majority of their physical and working life lay ahead. Turning 50 feels different—and getting that invitation to join AARP doesn’t exactly help!

I’ve always tried to use the summer months for some intentional reflection. But this rare season of stillness, combined with a milestone birthday, gave me more space than usual to evaluate where I am and where I’m heading. One of the central questions I found myself asking was: How can I adjust or enhance the rhythms of my life—what many call a “rule of life”—to experience greater flourishing and better live out God’s purpose for me?

In ECO, we believe these kinds of questions aren’t just important for pastors—they’re foundational for all of us. In fact, for pastors, reflection and accountability around life rhythms are required. Our polity (2.0402) outlines the purpose of covenant groups, which are not just for sharing best practices in ministry, but also for regularly engaging with one another about our physical, spiritual, relational, and emotional health (2.0402e). While this is mandatory for pastors, it should be encouraged for all officers—and potentially even for every covenant partner. Life moves quickly, and it’s far too easy to neglect some of the areas that make us whole. That’s why intentional rhythms and practices are so critical.

Out of my own reflection this summer, I ended up creating a personal planner—something I’ve long searched for. I’ve tried nearly every 90-day planner out there. Many were good, but none had exactly what I needed—without a lot I didn’t. So I made my own. It’s not fancy—just printed pages with my daily rhythms on one side and a blank schedule on the other. I also included a few templates for weekly reviews and planning.

As we approach the fall and all the responsibilities it brings, maybe this is a good time for you to pause and consider your own rhythms for health and growth. If you need help crafting a framework, I recommend Steve Macchia’s book Crafting a Rule of Life, or the excellent Rule of Life Builder from John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way:
https://www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder.

My prayer is that as we step into this next season, we do so not just with full calendars, but with full hearts—committed to becoming the mature and flourishing disciples that the Lord has called us to be.In Christ,
Dana

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