A few weeks ago, I wrote about slowing down.
Then we talked about finding our identity in Christ rather than our productivity.
But eventually, a practical question begins to surface: What does this actually look like in everyday life?
How do we stay rooted when the dishes need washing, the kids need rides, work deadlines are approaching, and life continues moving at a pace that often feels faster than we'd like?
For a long time, I thought what I needed was a better schedule, planner, or system...
If I could just organize my life well enough, I thought, I'd finally have peace. But what I've discovered is that peace isn't found in perfect schedules. It's found in intentional rhythms. There is a difference.
Schedules often focus on productivity. Rhythms focus on connection.
Schedules tell us what to do. Rhythms remind us who we want to become.
Now don't get me wrong. Schedules have their place. As a wife, mom, and someone who juggles multiple responsibilities, I appreciate a good calendar.
But calendars don't nourish our souls. Rhythms do.
When I think about the life I want to live, I don't just want a well-managed life. I want a rooted life. I want a life where God's presence isn't squeezed into the leftover moments. I want a life where I'm intentionally creating space to be with Him. Not because I have to. Because I need to. Because apart from Him, I can do nothing.
Over the years, I've learned that spiritual growth is often less about dramatic moments and more about faithful rhythms. Small things done consistently.
A quiet prayer before the house wakes up.
A walk with Jesus in the morning.
A few moments of gratitude before bed.
Turning worship music on while folding laundry.
Pausing before responding.
Practicing Sabbath.
Reading a Psalm while sitting on the patio.
None of these things seem particularly impressive. And that's exactly the point.
God often meets us in the ordinary. We tend to think spiritual growth happens during mountaintop experiences.. and sometimes it does. But more often, transformation happens in the daily abiding. Daily choosing to make space for God.
One practice that has been especially helpful for me is creating what is often called a Rule of Life.
Don't let the word "rule" scare you as it's not meant to be a list of rules. It's a collection of rhythms that help you stay connected to God.
Think of it less like a checklist and more like a trellis. A trellis doesn't force a plant to grow. It simply provides support and direction.
A Rule of Life works the same way. It creates space for growth. It helps us live intentionally instead of accidentally.
My rhythms are far from perfect... Some mornings are filled with prayer and quiet, while other mornings involve reheated coffee and searching for missing shoes.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is connection with God. God isn't waiting for us to get our lives together before He meets us. He's already here.
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Not because He was trying to escape life, but because He understood the importance of returning to the source.
Friend, what if this season isn't about doing more? What if it's about creating small rhythms that help you remember God is already near?
What if spiritual growth isn't another thing to add to your list? What if it's simply learning to notice His presence in the life you're already living?
The beautiful thing about rhythms is that they don't need to be complicated. Start small. Choose one practice. And trust that God can do far more with your small act of faithfulness than you could ever accomplish through striving.
Rest Practice of the Week
Choose one simple rhythm to practice every day this week.
Ideas:
Read one Psalm each morning.
Take a ten-minute prayer walk.
Write down three things you're grateful for before bed.
Spend five quiet minutes with Jesus before checking your phone.
Start small. Stay consistent. Notice what God does.
Looking for help creating your own Rule of Life? I've created a simple workbook that walks through the process and helps you identify rhythms that fit your current season of life. You can find it in my shop here: Rule of Life Workbook. I also have a 2-hour guided retreat that focuses on how to use the workbook: 2-hour Guided Retreat. Both of these are on sale through the end of July!
Reflection Question
What simple rhythm could help you create more space for God in your everyday life?
Breath Prayer
Jesus, help me make room for You.
Closing Prayer
Father,
Thank You that You are present in both the extraordinary and the ordinary moments of life. Help us release the pressure to do more and instead embrace rhythms that draw us closer to You. Teach us to create space for Your presence and help us remember that spiritual growth often happens through small, faithful acts of obedience. Root us deeply in Your love and guide us as we learn to walk with You each day.
Amen.
This post is part of my summer series on slowing down, healing deeply, and walking at the pace of Jesus. God often meets us in ordinary moments, but sometimes we miss Him because we're moving too quickly. Next week, we'll explore how to recognize God's presence in the everyday moments we often overlook.
Let’s Keep in Touch this summer! Subscribe to not miss a post and find me on Instagram for daily encouragement @HeyHeatherCook!
A workbook to assist in creating a “Rule of Life” for the current season you are in. A rule of life helps us to put the important things first in our lives and learn to say no to things that cannot fit into this season. Helping us create a more peaceful schedule.
Rule of Life: A 2-Hour Guided Retreat
If your life feels full—but your soul feels tired—this space is for you.
The Rule of Life Retreat is a 2-hour self-guided experience designed to help you slow down, listen for God’s voice, and intentionally shape rhythms that bring peace, clarity, and life. This isn’t about adding more to your plate or creating a rigid schedule—it’s about creating loving boundaries and practices that help you stay rooted in Christ in the midst of everyday life.
Through guided video sessions, you’ll be gently led through reflection, prayer, and practical teaching at a pace that honors where you are right now. Whether you complete this retreat in one sitting or spread it out over time, you’re invited to move slowly and honestly—without pressure or performance.
Included in this retreat:
On-demand video sessions you can access anytime for a self-guided retreat experience
The Rule of Life Workbook, with thoughtful prompts and exercises to help you discern what brings life, rest, and alignment to your days
Space to reflect on your current season, name what God may be inviting you into, and create sustainable rhythms centered on grace—not hustle
This retreat is perfect if you:
Feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or spiritually dry
Long for more intentional rhythms but don’t know where to start
Desire a faith-centered framework for rest, prayer, work, relationships, and renewal
Want practical tools that support a slower, more rooted way of living
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need space to listen.
My prayer is that this retreat helps you walk away feeling grounded, refreshed, and gently re-aligned—with a Rule of Life that supports the woman God is forming you to be in this season.
Rooted in Christ. Radiating God’s beauty.