Chance favors the prepared mind
Louis Pasteur
“Charlotte, it’s time to go take a nap.” Ok!” She exclaimed. She ran down the hall to her room, and I watched in amazement as she pointed to her lamp for me to turn off and scrambled over to the blinds, wanting me to close them. Then she turned on her fan and climbed, one leg at a time, in her rocker and grabbed a book and her pacifier. She patted the rocking chair and said, “Mommy sit.” She had watched me daily, and now I could see what my methods had done for her.
Before kids, I was early and prepared for everything I did. Post-kids, I am desperately racing against the clock, even with time allowed for mishaps and hiccups. “Eva, get those puppies! They are headed into the woods!” “Charlotte, get that pacifier out of your mouth and put down the hose!” I watched my nice outfit turn dirt-stained and my hairstyle fall into my eyes. “Everyone, get into the truck! We have to go!” As I blew the hair out of my eyes, scooped up Charlotte, and breathed a sigh of relief when the doors closed, and we were on our way, I realized no amount of planning can eliminate the unexpected with kids (or puppies).
Susanna Wesley’s father taught her the power of method, which he described as doing the same thing every day at the same time. Susanna says the Bible taught her the power of prayer and that studying the Bible brought her understanding. She believed the promises it held were full of strength. Susanna Wesley was very structured, spiritually and domestically. Methods taught to her by her father was how she accomplished her assignments.
Her father’s teaching was so much a part of her that she incorporated a schedule to spend quality time with each of her nine living children. She instilled the power of methods in her children to the point that her sons, Charles and John, began teaching others about this habitual practice while away at college. Those following the methods practices were nicknamed “Methodists,” which is how the Methodist church originated- in name only.
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BOOK THREE COMING OCTOBER 2023!
The secret to your success is in your daily routine. What is next in your life is always connected to what is now. Habits we create show up without notice; being on time for things and planning ahead for the inevitable alleviates many battles and shortness with your kids. Routine has a way of keeping peace in your home (mostly).
Louis Pasteur’s father told his son, “A person cannot be noble if he has filled his heart with pride. You must work hard, for that is the only way to succeed. Remember this: when you succeed, remain humble and give the glory to God. Praise him for guiding you along the road to success.“
Creating a routine that allows your family to run smoothly is hard. However, habits are God’s rhythmic order. It is in consistency that the power lies.
I wish I could say my days flow seamlessly, but that just wouldn’t be true. Some days, I can’t seem to get past the dishwasher and the laundry, yet I know where my aim is headed. If I keep progressing, I will reach where I placed the bullseye. There are tasks I have to put off till tomorrow (and sometimes, even then, I move them to the day after that.) But I do not just forget about what I need to do. I keep plucking away day after day until, finally, the garage is organized and the outside shop gets the attention it deserves.
It was time for Eva’s soccer game. Supper had been cleaned up, bags and equipment were gathered and waiting by the stairs. Everyone was ready to walk out the door when the bottom fell out of the sky. It was a steady, heavy rain with a few light thunder rumblings to accent the downpour. For sure, the game would be canceled due to the torrential downpour. From the front porch, we all stood evaluating the situation, knowing we only had precious minutes to get everyone loaded and be on time for the game. The hold-up was obvious- no one wanted to make the trip, only to find out the game was canceled.
“Mom, can we please go play in the rain!” “No girls. You are both ready to leave, and I don’t need a mess on my hands, and I certainly do not want us all to be late!” Chuck looked at me with a slight grin, and I looked back at him, knowing how irresponsible we were about to be. I drifted back to humid summer days, visiting my cousins in Louisiana. A thunderstorm rolled in, filling the ditches with water. The four kids splashed and played while my aunt and mother sat on her porch swing visiting. It’s funny, no one planned on that being a memory we would all remember, but each of us does.
My face softened; I could see habits that came naturally to our family shining through. I sat on my great-grandmother’s old garden chair and smiled, “Go play in the rain, girls. Time won’t keep for moments like this.” Chuck sat beside me, hollering out orders to all the dogs playing in the rain with the kids.
Samson, our oldest Golden Retriever, found a place and laid down beside me. At the same time, Lola, our female German Shepherd, kept watch from a distance, and faithful Maximus, our male German Shepherd, from his post, ensured everything went according to plan. Penny and Peanut, the youngest Golden Retrievers, found the rain just as enjoyable as the girls, who were squealing with delight as they jumped in puddles and ran through the grass hand in hand. Grass-covered feet and clothes soaked clean through made for the exact mess I was trying to avoid.
Discipline is the pillar upon which a successful life is built. Apart from that -we will fail. However, color-coded schedules and pristine outfits fail compared to the opportunity to play in the rain.
We made it to the game late and partially wet, which was not my finest moment. Or was it? Life will never stop unless we demand it, and routine will never breathe unless we force it. Playing in the rain is a habit I want my kids to wear well.
Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. Proverbs 9:11
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