The Weekly Rhythm #1: Want to get rhythm?

Welcome to the Weekly Rhythm!

Let’s talk about rhythm and why I’m using that word.

Honest confession: I like order. Maybe to a fault. Strict time schedules are appealing but it doesn’t always go according to plan. The big problem is that most of our lives don’t go according to plan. Even if we’ve got many aspects of our lives nearly arranged, there is some element of chaos right in front of us, presently with us, or right behind us.

If you’re like me in the pursuit of order, the checklist comes out. There are certain things that have to get done and we’re going to get them done. Pretty soon, the relationships cool as distance grows between family members. We can become high performers with strained connection when we strive to fulfill a scheduled list of tasks. You serve the schedule instead of it serving you.

Rhythms are like mini-events that happen throughout the week. There are some big and consistent rhythms like going to church on Sundays or if you have a set work schedule, but for now I’m not talking about those. Think smaller events that you do as a family.

• Taco Tuesday

• Family night

• A certain song played before certain events

• The same music for the start of a car ride

• Nightly family reading

• Family dinners at the table

• A hospitality day

• Quarterly camping

• Discussion topic of the week

• Word of the year

• Date night

Do you get the idea? These kinds of rhythms will bring stability into your family at the same time you start cultivating a family identity. You may already have some rhythms like this!

I told you I’d keep it short, so here’s what I promised you when you signed up.

For you to think about this week:

1. What are some positive rhythms you’d like to see on repeat in your home?

2. What are some negative rhythms in your home or life that you’re not sure what to do with?

For you to act on this week:

1. Try one of the Quality Questions you received when you signed up for this newsletter.

We’ll take this slow. Everyone will be at a different place so we’re starting with just having a conversation.

That’s it for this week! Next week I’ll tell the story of one of our longest lasting rhythms and how it began with almost no plan at all.

Talk to you soon!

~ J.P.

PS: You’ll get to know me more as this newsletter continues. Knowing and being known is a big thing for me. Introduce yourself by replying to this e-mail (it’ll go right to me). Let me know what has and has not worked for you when it comes to rhythms.