Many years ago, I would have defined myself as a rigid Type-A personality. I had lists for my lists. My unspoken life mantra was the old saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” If one of our young children set a toy down, I’d swoop in to return it to its rightful spot. But time has a way of softening those rigid edges.
I’ve also swung the pendulum to complete chaos in certain seasons—chasing three children to six different activities, growing our business, managing work, and saying yes to too many church and community commitments. And yet, time also gently restructures those too-loose rhythms.
Regardless of the season, I know God created us for order. We see it in creation, in the intricate design of our bodies, in the changing seasons, and in His commands for the church. When I have a semblance of order, I experience greater peace in my relationships, work, and service. The opposite is also true for me. When habits and plans fall away, chaos creeps into my heart.
As I prepare to leave my forties and have launched the first of our three children to college, I feel like time, life, mentors, and God are teaching me a new way to approach order. Rather than my former way of thinking as rigid habits, now they are sacred rhythms that fuel and fill me to live with intentionality and grace. I’m far from being an expert. I lean on the truth that “His mercies never end. They are new every morning” (Lam. 3:22-23). I’m a fellow traveler, figuring it out day by day as life ebbs and flows.
A New Year, A New Rhythm
Last January 1, with my 49th birthday the next day, I set my mind on creating a few sacred rhythms. I wanted to leave this decade well. I identified six areas of priority and set my heart and mind on creating sacred rhythms to deeply root these priorities with my faith.
This year has been far from perfect, but it’s been sacred. I’ve leaned in, learned more, and extended grace to myself. These rhythms have helped me approach my days with greater peace and purpose.
Rise Early, Rest Well
This simple shift has been foundational. Grace abounds for the new momma in a different season. In this season, rising early before the rest of the house stirs gives space to start the day with peace and purpose. While this hasn’t always been my practice, I am encouraged and motivated that the description in Mark 1:35 of Jesus’s start to His day included rising early: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.” Whether it’s two hours or just fifteen to thirty minutes, those quiet moments to breathe, pray, and thank God for the new day are enough. I also try to get to bed earlier, honoring the rhythm of rest.
Scripture First
Once I rise, I begin my morning with silence, reflection, prayer, and study. I breathe deeply, posture my heart, and move into reflection, reminding myself of God’s truth. Sometimes this leads to a specific Scripture; other times, it’s recalling truths I’ve stored up. I visualize my day, considering the people and tasks ahead. This naturally leads to prayer, and I close with time in God’s Word.
These rhythms help me greet my family with intention and prepare for work interactions. They anchor me in truth before the day begins.
Move My Body
This rhythm was the hardest to establish—but the most transformative. It began as time with my oldest daughter during her senior year. She walked with me, and I had her to myself. Side-by-side conversations were easier than face-to-face ones with her. It was a sweet season of connection.
After she graduated and left for college, I kept walking. Those miles became sacred. Some days I walk in silence; other days I listen to discipleship and leadership podcasts or worship music. I’ve cried, prayed, and praised on those country roads. The Lord has met me there. Walking has strengthened my body, cleared my mind, and filled my heart. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency. Even when travel interrupts the rhythm, I know God will meet me when I lace up again.
Plan the Night Before
This small habit brings big peace. Each evening, I jot down a simple note on my phone for the next day—morning rhythms, meetings, home responsibilities, meals, even bedtime. Some days, the plan gets derailed, but Proverbs 16:9 reminds me: “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.“
Even when the plan changes, this rhythm helps me rest better, start my morning with clarity, practice gratitude for what God has done the day before, and place my trust in God’s guidance for the next. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to “Commit your activities to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
Sabbath
Rest doesn’t have to mean naps or sleeping in. This year, I’ve discovered what Sabbath looks like for me. Walking has miraculously become Sabbath rather than work. What changed? My heart. I now walk with expectation, knowing the Lord will meet me.
Even meal planning and prepping on Sundays has shifted from chore to Sabbath. It’s a time of quiet preparation, reflection, and worship. Sabbath is less about what I do and more about how I do it, with a posture of rest and renewal.
Grace for the Spinning Plates
This past year of practicing these rhythms has been sacred. Is everything perfect? Absolutely not. I’ve had to create boundaries and make sacrifices. I love my sleep, but I’ve learned I can function well on seven to eight hours instead of my ideal eight to nine. Sometimes, to talk with my late-night college student, I dip even lower—and adjust my morning rhythm accordingly. I have committed to a few non-negotiables and protected these rhythms by committing to the following:
- I will be in God’s Word.
- I will serve in my local church—but I won’t say yes to every committee or activity.
- I will be present at my kids’ activities—but we will limit them to one per child per season.
- I will keep a tidy home because it brings me peace—but my family helps, and there’s always one catch-all room.
Rhythms aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence. They help me show up for the life God has given me—with grace, intention, and a little more peace.
About Amy Cato
Amy Cato is a Lifeway Women Event Coordinator with a passion for creating meaningful experiences that bring women together around God’s Word. At Lifeway, she plans and executes events across the country, ensuring every detail helps foster connection and spiritual growth. Faith-filled habits have been woven into her life from the start—her mom taught her the beauty of discipline and organization, while her dad sparked her love for teaching in the local church and studying God’s Word. When she’s not planning events, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and three children, usually from the bleachers at baseball, football, or basketball games.
