I am not a routine oriented person. I have lots of friends who are. They love their lists and their routines each day, however I am the black sheep amongst this crowd.

This morning as I was laying in bed, it was warm and soft. I could hear the quietness that was deeply settled in the house. What sounded the most appealing to me was to stay snuggled in bed next to Den, and try to push out the obligations that were already flooding my mind. As I debated with these thoughts, I finally hopped out of bed, and decided to steal a few minutes at the computer to seal my thoughts in a post.

The thought that kept coming to me was, "Why do we do the things we do?" I dont have a parent that MAKES me get up at a certain time anymore. Its totally up to me whether I do all the things I do, or dont do in my life. So as I lazily laid in bed, I began to contemplate the routines that I do hold fast to.

We have taught the boys to go to bed early, and rise early all the days of their life. It's not that I love to get up early myself, but I was taught that when you are a homemaker, or your husband is the household provider it makes it easier if they have been trained in this manner. Then when the time comes that they are required to rise early for work, it won't seem like an extra burden in life. So this is our pattern, (not to say we don't make exceptions for it on weekends, holidays, or when one is sick.)

Sunday morning we are required to go to church. Unless someone is sick , this is an important part of our lives. I layed in bed this morning, thinking about how the first Sunday of each month is potluck Sunday. All the women are required to rise early and put on dinner enough for their family and maybe guests that could arrive. Then we take it to the churchhouse, that morning, to finish preparing it for the rest of the congregation. At times I find this a burden. Just getting out of bed on a Sunday morning can put me to task, but then to prepare an entire meal so early in the morning can cause me to put the covers over my head. So why do I partake in this custom? No one is MAKING me, persay, but it's a time to reflect on doing for others. My boys love potlucks, and its a good experience to sit down together with the brethren and find out what each family has been up to, and maybe what needs to be done in the coming weeks. I want my boys to be aware of those that they assemble with, and what better way than eating and visiting with them.

Wednesday nights we go to meeting as well. This is our hardest routine. Den works late alot, the kids are tired, the baby is most definitely cranky, we have to get dinner ate,dressed in our church clothes (I in my dress), and head out the door by 7pm. Why do we require this of ourselves and our sons? It's a reminder in the middle of the week of what our life is really all about. It's a chance for us to STOP everything, and reflect where we are with the Lord and where we are with the brethren. It's a true disappointment for the congregation when anyone misses. The church is highly aware of each other, and if a family is sick and missing, the prayers begin for them immediately. Its a beautiful thing to know that you will be missed and prayed for. So we hold tight to this tradtion in our home.

I thought of all the things we do in this home. Why do I let the boys cook so much when the mess can far outweigh the goods that were prepared? For one day they will be men, out on their own, and I want them to have the joy of knowing that they can eat well when they are all alone.

Many things my mind began to dwell on. I am sure that the Lord is continuously reminding me of the importance of such routines. So this morning, I am going to get off this computer and head for the kitchen. I have chicken that is waiting to be bbqed, pie needing to be made, and a bread machine that is longing for some bread batter. So what about you? What do you do and why?