We are fast approaching the last quarter of the year 2022, a perfect time to take stock of how we spent the months gone by in the light of our vision for the year. Many of us probably set New Year resolutions, goals for financial and career growth, health goals etc. early on in the year. This year I used the ‘rule of life’ in an attempt to keep God at the center of all spheres of life (physical, financial, relationships etc). Spiritual discipleship or fellowship with God is an intentional space and time carved out to see the invisible God through the tangible visible aspects of life. Below is a “Rule of Life” I came up with in the “Introduction to Christian Spirituality” class at Duke Divinity under Father Ramon which I pulled out for my quarterly review.
So what is this rule of life? The Rule of Life is a set of practical and relational steps that you prayerfully take to spend time with your Creator. This idea was originally practiced by the early monastic community around the 3rd century AD. The most well known of Rule of Life was probably written by St. Benedict. It was an attempt to keep God at the center of all plans and actions. These are planned practices that facilitate commitment to the virtues and life of your choice. Below are some practices I discerned for my well-being.
In the example below the overarching rule of life is “Loving God and neighbor” or “loving God and people” . The vision is stated at the bottom and broken up into practices to follow everyday, week, and month.
How have I been faring in my quarterly assessment? Hmm… There are areas I have been slacking off and there are areas that I am doing well in. So, further evaluation (with grace) is needed to assess my practices in the light of my time and responsibilities in this season of my life.
Art Responses 