Why do the days become so mundane? The fall begins, the school year launches with great intentions, but only a short way in, things are unraveling. If I manage to squeeze in time with the Lord before the day kicks into full gear, I forget what I have read before I even finish my second cup of coffee.

As my day progresses, I naturally am draw in a thousand different directions. Rarely, does that lead me closer to the Lord.

If my days are going to be focused around my priorities, I need to be intentional or I will be gripped by the priorities of the world.

This is one of the reasons I enjoy the liturgical calendar so much. My days, my seasons, they will be shaped by something. If I am complacent, they will be shaped by the philosophies and values of the world. As a follower of Christ, I am called to live out my life intentionally shaped by His work.

When I arrange my life around the church calendar, I join with the larger Church in celebrating who God is and the work that He, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has accomplished. It shapes my personal life, not around the holidays celebrated in America, but by the days that have been marked by holy work. In doing so, my life if taken through patterns that strengthen my understanding of the Gospel and help me to live out the calling I now have on my life.

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The Sacred Ordinary Days planner is one of my favorite tools for doing this. From the moment I wake up, I am reminded of who I am as a child of God. His work is placed firmly in the forefront of my life. When I look at my day, I see the lectionary, the scripture reading, for the day. Following this reading connects my daily devotion time with Christians all around the world. Instead of struggling to determine what to read, I have a set plan that takes me through all parts of the Bible.

It also reminds me throughout the day, when I’m checking to see what’s on the schedule, of the scripture I read that morning. My mind is called back constantly to the words of God. It keeps me from becoming too concerned in the world. Moment by moment, His works and goodness are a part of my day.

I am also reminded weekly to examine myself and to pray through where I am falling short and how I can seek to improve my heart, work, and relationships through the power of the Holy Spirit. As each of the liturgical seasons appears, I am refreshed by the goals and focus of that season and guided through ways to prepare my heart for God’s work in that time. Holy Days, such as Jesus’s presentation in the temple and Christ the King Sunday are also noted.

Using this planner has refocused my life. It stops me from focusing on tasks and draws me back to the King. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection make up the pattern of my year. Days I tended to overlook in the past, such as Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, are now an anticipated day on the calendar.

We all have different things that draw us closer to the Lord. For me, the liturgical year is a way of setting up my time as a reminder of the Lord’s work. This spurs my heart on daily to love Him more. It also focuses my life around what matters, His works in this world. My days are not my own, they belong to Him. My calendar should reflect that.

If you’re interested in looking at a Sacred Ordinary Days planner, be sure to check them out here. From daily and weekly planners to wall calendars, there are many wonderful options that you can consider using in your own life. They are also very committed to educating Christians about the liturgical calendar and building up an ecumenical community. Be sure to check out their podcast and blog as well!