September 2026: Habits

What do you like to do with your free time? In my introductory bio I usually put a few of my hobbies, but I am well aware that I am a dabbler. I’ll try something, enjoy it, invest in it, do it religiously for six months, and then not touch it for a decade or so. My craft room alone attests to all the little things I’ve tried, liked, but just didn’t stick around as a regular part of my life.

Currently, I am an avid reader. I’m relearning the valuable lesson not to start a mystery novel of under 300 pages after 10 p.m. if I’m planning on going to bed on time. Did a read a bunch last year? No. Will I next year? I don’t know. I’ve returned to reading so many times as my top hobby that it is the closest to a lifelong habit I’ve got. Other things, like adult coloring, were short lived excursions.

Sometimes our faith is like that. We get into the good habit of gathering in community for Sunday School and worship, but then life changes and suddenly we are only showing up for Easter, Christmas, and the occasional luncheon. In a time of trial and tribulation, we might pray faithfully every day, but when the thing for which we were interceding is resolved, we might fall away from our prayer life.

It is perfectly reasonable and normal to have seasons in which we do different things to help us grow in our faith. Reading Scripture, praying, studying in a group, or acts of service are some of the ordinary means of grace. Ordinary means of grace are ways that work for most people to help them draw closer to God. Our faith journeys are not unlike any efforts made in the gym: consistency is key to success.

What is a good habit for your faith journey that you would like to try? What will help you consistently draw closer to God today? The answers to these questions will likely change over the years, but the more often you seek the answers to where Christ is calling you, the more often you may see fruit!