It’s still a challenging season on the farm with ongoing construction, the added workload of growing our flock, and the life-and-death lessons of letting a broody mama hen raise her chicks and free-ranging roosters. We’ve even had to put up a sign to help remind the neighbors to slow down and stop intentionally running over our free-range ducks, which have been crossing the small road for the past three years without any problems.
Routine is great, but it doesn’t equal connection.
I’ve made it to 2 Kings in my Bible reading. As I began this section, I found myself skimming past the parts that detail one king after another, who partnered with whom, all while ignoring God and introducing more pagan practices, leading everyone into endless warfare.
It saddens me that there isn’t more focus on the people’s stories—how they navigated these challenges or the narratives of the women involved. I’m sure there are extra books to explore for deeper insights, but honestly, I’m tired.
This fatigue is a clear sign that my Bible reading “Routine” has disconnected me from the relationship I hoped to establish with God.
There are telltale signs that it’s time to pause: skimming through passages, feeling frustrated by questions that arise, and then letting the week’s distractions add to that discomfort. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of procrastination and self-blame for not following through.
I want to embrace the discomfort of perseverance. I want to continue reading and genuinely get to know God. I trust that God desires me to see and understand his character and grow into the person I’m meant to be on the other side of this journey.
So, I hope you and I can pause from routine and grasp some connection to the positive things and the aspects of life that can be adjusted. Let’s give ourselves some grace as we keep going on the life we work so hard for.