It’s September, and fall is just around the corner! The school bus routine has brought more traffic to my area since August, calendars have filled up fast, and life seems to be moving at warp speed. Even if you don't have kids at home, the world's pace still affects your daily schedule. That’s where routines come in – they give our days a sense of structure and order, but they can also become a weight if they keep us running too fast. 

When Dionne and I got married, we started hosting a Labor Day cookout with our family and friends. It became a regular part of our routine: cooking together, sharing laughs, and creating community around the table. As life got more complicated and friends moved away, that routine evolved. Looking back, it's clear how our daily patterns changed with each season. But no matter the season, the crucial question remains: where does God fit into your daily life, and how can your routines become pathways to the abundant life Jesus promised? 

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it to the fullest” (John 10:10). The life Jesus talks about isn't about doing more but living with God at the center. This is a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose that comes when we make room for Him in our daily lives, turning ordinary moments into chances to walk with God. One of the most helpful ways to do this is by incorporating four simple practices into your daily routine, turning ordinary habits into pathways that connect you more deeply with God. 

Life with God
Start your day by putting God first, not your phone. Take a moment to pray or reflect on a verse and let it refresh your heart before the day gets hectic. Psalm 143:8 reminds us, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” 

Life in Community
Community is all about staying connected and making room for others through fellowship. Today, that might mean having a device-free dinner with family, catching up with a friend every week, or sharing a meal with someone who lives alone. As the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, it’s crucial not to give up on meeting together, but to support and encourage each other. When we shift from isolation to belonging, we discover true, abundant life. 

Life of Generosity
When we’re generous, we shift our focus from ourselves to God and spread joy to both the giver and the receiver, uplifting and inspiring everyone. This can be as easy as planning one kind act each week, no matter how small. As Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” 

Life of Impact
When we live with purpose, we can make a real difference - whether it’s at work, school, or in our communities. We have chances to shine God’s love in our lives. Ask yourself, “How can I share God’s love with those around me?" As Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Even small acts of kindness can turn ordinary places into special spaces, giving us strength and making our daily lives more meaningful. 

Our daily routines might seem like just ordinary habits, but they're much more. When we invite God into them, they become opportunities to experience an abundant life. Abundant life isn’t just found in big moments, but also in everyday tasks like preparing lunches, replying to emails, or checking in on a friend. Just as our Labor Day cookouts once created space for joy and connection, today’s routines can also become places where God meets us. Routines may change, but the invitation stays the same: find life in routines by making space for God in the ordinary and watch even the simplest rhythms overflow with abundant life.
 
At the Intersection,
Dr. Quincy D. Brown
Senior Pastor