The Risk of Being Vulnerable

I find when I share the subtitle of Unforced Rhythms, I either get a frown (hmmm, not sure what I think about this book) or raised eyebrows (ooh, I need to read this book!). The subtitle, Why Daily Devotions Aren't for All of Us, goes against the grain of Christian norms and expectations.

It carries the risk of being misunderstood before any pages are turned. 

So, in the introductory chapter, I lead with my fears.

What will people think? About this? About that? About me? 

After listing out some of my fears, I share the one thing I fear the most. I fear readers will miss the point I hope to make: no matter what your life rhythm – daily, weekly/monthly, or seasonal/yearly – the desired outcome is spiritual growth that transforms us to be more like Jesus. But, there's even more to spiritual formation than that. It's not just about us. It's about others. 

Vulnerability does carry a risk, but it'll be well worth it for those who find freedom in the pages of this book. 

Welcome to Unforced Rhythms!

Why a book about daily devotions? Can one element of what is deemed an exercise for spiritual growth take up the pages of one entire book?

Yes. Yes, it can.

As Keith Drury writes in the foreword, we have made daily devotions to be a sacrament.  If you’re not growing in your faith, well then, how are you doing at your daily devotions? We don’t ask, “Well, have you taken communion lately?”

One morning over brunch with my friend, Elizabeth, we chatted about this very thing. Sharing with someone about a struggle in life, the response she got was, “How are you doing at your quiet time, your daily time with God?” As if that’s the catchall answer.

Yes, there are those who find daily devotions to be a satisfying and a soul-filling practice, but not everyone fits into the daily mold.

Unforced Rhythms - Why Daily Devotions Aren't for All of Us will give freedom and permission for those, like myself, who for too long struggled with daily devotions.