I love routine! Routine creates security. It allows me to plan out my day because I know generally how things will play out. But my routine is about to change as we prepare to welcome baby number 2.
Welcoming our first baby was definitely a big change. I went from someone who could be spontaneous and make sudden changes to my plan, to having to find a new rhythms and stick to the routine that was best for our baby. And even then, baby’s change and grow so much so quick. As soon as I’d find myself adjusting to the new routine, our little boy would be like nope, time to change.
I’ve been in a very good consistent routine for quite awhile now and it’s been so great. Our one year old sleeps through the night, usually wakes up at the same time each morning, takes two naps around the same time each day, and goes to bed around the same time each night. I’m able to plan my day and our outings around his naps and wake windows, and it’s been nice. Those two naps give me two very helpful reset times in my day. Once he’s down for the first nap that is my coffee and Bible time. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to find the time to fit in this time with the Lord each day during his morning nap.
But I’m on the verge of things changing again. My happy little routine which brings me so much comfort each day is not going to stay much longer. As we are only weeks away from welcoming our next little one, and I’m thinking our toddler may be getting close to only needing one nap. To be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed when I think about it. Having to juggle two different routines, one for a newborn and one for a toddler.
I can’t help but think that maybe these changing routines and changing seasons is God’s way of keeping us from being too comfortable. God likes us to live our lives outside of our comfort zone. This causes us to rely on Him more. It’s often in the unexpected moments, the crazy moments that throw for a loop, where we meet God. Routine says “I got this, I’m in my flow, I don’t need help.” But change says “I don’t got this, I need your strength today God to make it through.”
If we look at it this way, then change can be good. Because it can be a way of growing us closer to God and helping us rely on Him more.
I can’t say I’m looking super excited about all the crazy times that the upcoming changes will soon bring into my life. I will definitely miss the very comfortable routine that I’ve created. But I can confidently say that God will be with me in this season of change. God will be my strength and help on the days I feel overwhelmed. It may take awhile for a new routine for form, but in the meanwhile, it will be a season of growth and learning to rely more on God.
Whatever change is on your horizon, I hope you can have this same perspective. Change is hard, I’ll be the first to say that. But it can also lead to so much growth and opportunity!