The Blessing of Discipline

I’ve enjoyed incorporating the One Word 365 philosophy into my daily life. There hasn’t been a day where I haven’t stopped and considered the word and experience of Blessing (my chosen One Word for 2014).

This week an area where blessing has resonated with me is: Discipline. Throughout my life I haven’t always been a well disciplined person, however, once I entered my mid-thirties, discipline was no longer a choice for me, it became a requirement. Having ADHD resulted in a life of disorganization, confusion, distraction and running around in circles. My life was filled with starts and stops along with many unfinished tasks and uncommitted responsibilities. Thankfully, in my later thirties I learned through the help of an ADHD Academic Strategist many helpful techniques for managing various areas of my life. For any adult with ADHD, I highly recommend investing in an A.D.D. Coach. A.D.D. cannot be “cured” because it is not a disease, but it can definitely be managed.

I can’t think of too many people who enjoy discipline or having to get into the habit of developing new disciplines. I wish I could say it is easy work, but it isn’t. I’ve come to accept that discipline must be a part of my everyday life in order to function. I now consider discipline a blessing.

In Judaism, a blessing involves the drawing down of spiritual energy from God. The purpose of “Berakhot” is to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing and to turn everyday experiences into religious experiences and as a result increase awareness of God. In becoming a disciplined person I see and experience God’s blessing “Berakhah”, a gift from God. It would be difficult to live God’s calling on our lives if we do not have discipline. One could not become a doctor without daily study, an athlete without daily exercise, or a musician without daily practice. I cannot become the best “me” without the gift of discipline and “you” cannot become the best you without this gift either.

Discipline as a blessing produces the following in your life:

• Self control
• Perseverance
• Ability to prioritize your life
• Becoming a man/woman of your word (you do what you say you will)
• The reward of having completed something (fulfillment of dreams and goals)
• Development of your God given skills and talents
• Time to enjoy doing things you enjoy
• Overcoming habits that are of no benefit to you
• Being able to continue working on something long after the initial excitement has ceased
• Increased boundaries
• Growing closer to God as you draw on His strength while you go about your daily responsibilities

May your discipline be a blessing in your life!

Question:

Think of areas in your life where you see discipline as a blessing. Praise God for these disciplines and what it has produced!

Application:

Pray and ask God to reveal areas in your life where you lack discipline; ask Him for help in making changes.