There's Comfort in Structure

After 55 years of a lifetime of what many would consider chaos, my friend Karen's statement to me, "There's comfort in structure" has hit home. A solid bull's eye.

It's comforting to know what to expect.

It's comforting to know what's coming next.

It's comforting to know that things will get done because there's a schedule in place to make certain they do.

It's comforting to shuffle through your house early in the morning wearing fur-lined slippers as the day's first rituals begin.

It's comforting to know that every 1st and 15th you will get paid.

It's comforting to know that bills will be paid on time because you have time and money set aside to make certain that happens.

It's comforting to know that you will not starve because meals are coordinated at approximately the same time every day.

It's comforting to know that you will get enough sleep because you go to bed at about the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.

It's comforting to look ahead and know where you will be, because you set realistic goals and put a plan in place to reach them.

It's comforting to have a faith you can rely on because you have set aside quiet time to study and meditate.

It's comforting to know you have every chance of living to a ripe old age, because you made appropriate time to take care of your health and your body.

It's comforting to know you will not die alone because you share and play and serve and communicate with family and friends.

It's comforting to know that you will not become cynical, pessimistic or selfish because you make a point to keep yourself grounded in reality, elevated with a positive attitude, and grateful through the gift of service.

It's comforting to look across the table and smile into the eyes of someone you know will love you forever, because you genuinely and consistently honor and nurture that person and relationship.

It's comforting to look into the mirror and know that the person you are gazing at is someone you would want as a friend, because you make a point to be kind, honorable, forgiving and friendly every day of your life.

Routine and rituals and schedules and dependability and structure are comforting. Proactive, healthy living is its own reward.

My life is finally settling into a comfortable, balanced rhythm. I look forward to every day. It can only get better and better.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. And tomorrow is the second. I am comforted by that.

And I am comfortable with who I am. Finally, and thank God.