Why Having ‘Order’ is Important for a Balanced Life
Living an ordered life as a involves bringing structure, balance, and intentionality to various aspects of your life in accordance with your faith. How can one start creating order in daily life?
Life of Purpose Planner to help develop structure.
Establish a Daily Routine: Create a daily schedule that includes regular times for prayer, work, rest, and leisure. Designate specific times for personal prayer, attending Mass, engaging in spiritual reading, and participating in other devotions or sacraments. Incorporate time for work, study, family commitments, and recreational activities, ensuring a healthy balance in your daily life.
Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer a central part of your daily routine. Set aside dedicated time for personal prayer, such as morning and evening prayers, the Rosary, or Lectio Divina (prayerful reading of Scripture). Participate in the sacraments regularly, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, which nourish and strengthen your relationship with God.
Embrace the Sacraments: Regularly receive the sacraments, as they provide grace and spiritual nourishment for your journey of faith. Attend Mass faithfully, participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation for regular examination of conscience and forgiveness of sins, and receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick when needed.
Seek Spiritual Direction: Consider meeting with a spiritual director who can provide guidance, support, and accountability in your spiritual life. A spiritual director can help you discern God's will, deepen your prayer life, and grow in holiness.
Engage in Spiritual Reading: Read books, articles, and other materials that deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and help you grow spiritually. Choose works by saints, spiritual writers, and theologians that nourish your soul and provide insights into living a life rooted in Catholic teachings.
Practice Virtue: Strive to cultivate and practice virtues in your daily life. Study the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) and the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and seek to integrate them into your thoughts, words, and actions. Regularly examine your conscience and make a sincere effort to grow in virtue and overcome vices.
Foster Relationships: Nurture healthy relationships with family, friends, and members of your faith community. Make time for quality interactions, sharing in prayer, discussions about faith, and acts of service together. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your spiritual journey and encourage you to live a virtuous life.
Practice Good Stewardship: Embrace a lifestyle of responsible stewardship over your time, talents, and resources. Use your gifts and abilities to serve others, generously support charitable causes, and contribute to the needs of the Church and the wider community. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for God's blessings and share them with others.
Embrace Simplicity: Simplify your life by eliminating unnecessary distractions and attachments. Avoid excessive materialism and consumerism, focusing on what truly matters: your relationship with God and the well-being of others. Embrace a spirit of detachment and generosity, sharing your resources with those in need.
Regularly Examine Your Life: Engage in regular self-reflection and examination of your spiritual progress. Set aside time for personal reflection, journaling, or spiritual retreats to evaluate how well you are living out your Catholic faith and discern areas for growth and improvement.
Living an ordered life as a requires a deliberate and ongoing commitment to aligning your thoughts, actions, and priorities with the teachings of the Church. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can strive for greater spiritual growth, deepen your relationship with God, and live in harmony with His will.
