Lather, Rinse, REPEAT

I love this picture of spring flowers.  I know as the snow is melting, the soil is getting warmer and the sun shines just a little brighter, that we will soon see the influence of spring in our valley.  It happens every spring.  And every spring it brings a little joy to my heart.  It's a rhythm that I can count on.  I watch for the early greenery to start peeking up through the dirt.  The cycle repeats each year.  

I heard a story once about a one word change made to the directions for using shampoo.  Up to this time the directions had just said: 'Wet hair; apply shampoo and lather well; rinse.'  Supposedly a marketing person suggested adding one simple word to the directions: REPEAT.  Did the company's income increase?  Yes, it did!

It got me thinking about the things in our lives that would be increased, or made better, if we continually repeated the process of doing them. 

Here are just a couple of my thoughts:

Kindness... If we were to be kind to everyone we came in contact with on a certain day, I imagine we'd feel pretty good about our day, and I'm sure the people who we had been kind to would have had a better day because of our kindness.  In repeating that giving of kindness every day the differences made not only in our lives, but in the lives of other people would be amazing!  

Prayer...  I struggle sometimes with my personal prayers.  We have great couple prayers, but often my personal prayers are just spoken in my head or out loud at various times during the day while I'm doing other things.  What if I set aside 10 minutes every morning and evening to have a real conversation with the Lord?  To thank Him.  To plead with Him for things and people that are important to me.  EVERY morning and evening!  20 minutes total!  I feel like I have a decent relationship with God - but how much would it improve if I really set aside that personal time EVERY DAY?!   It makes me excited to think about it.  I believe I'll write it in my planner and repeat it as a daily 'to do'.  

This list could be endless - the possibilities are never-ending. It's exciting to think about!

What could become of your life if you chose to consistently REPEAT things that are important to you that maybe you aren't giving persistent attention to?  

Start small.  Choose one thing.  Be mindful of it for the next week.  Record how you feel and if you've noticed any changes in your life.  As it becomes a habit and something you just naturally make time for, or do as part of your daily walk, select something else to make a priority in your life. Then notice what changes happen in your life.