‘Rhythm’

3/13/2018

I Was Thinking…

The experience of ‘Daylight Saving Time’ has me thinking about rhythm. Losing an hour of sleep this past Saturday night has upset my circadian rhythm. According to Wikipedia the term circadian comes from the Latin word ‘circa’ meaning ‘around’ (or approximately), and ‘diem’, meaning ‘day’. A circadian rhythm implies that certain physiologic periods are approximately 24 hours in length.

It is truly amazing how the body works. Different cells in our bodies communicate with each other resulting in a synchronized output of electrical signaling. These signals interface with endocrine glands of the brain to result in periodic release of hormones. The receptors for these hormones are located far across the body and synchronize the clocks of various organs. Thus, the information of the time of day as relayed by the eyes travels to the clock in the brain, and through that, clocks in the rest of the body are synchronized. This is how the timing of, for example, sleep/wake, body temperature, thirst, and appetite are coordinately controlled by the biological clock.

It is no wonder when we upset the rhythm by an hour there is some adjusting that must take place. You and I are feeling that adjustment this week. When we travel into different time zones our circadian rhythm is tumbled (‘jet lag’) and it can take several days to adjust upon arrival. It is all about biological rhythm. Our creator has wonderfully and marvelously created us to be in rhythm.

Rhythm is not simply found in biology. It is also found in the soul. For example it is intriguing to me that God has set up the soul to need corporate worship every seven days. When I miss this ‘Sabbath Rhythm’ I seem out of kilter. I’m out of balance and out of harmony. The same is true with my daily study of the scriptures. When I miss even a brief encounter of ‘scripture focus’ I seem discombobulated in so many ways. It is all about rhythm.

The early church knew this to be important thus the rhythm of the ‘Liturgical Year’. Each season of focus helps our soul rhythm to stay healthy, humble and holy. Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost are all rhythmic for our growth in Christ.

As we approach Holy Week and the Empty tomb it is important to ask “What is our soul rhythm?” Our circadian rhythm is adjusting to Daylight Saving Time. Our biological clock is yawning its way back into rhythm. And our soul…well we must keep it in rhythm with God’s Spirit. It is how we stay healthy, humble and holy. It is all about rhythm. “This is the Day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Always Thinking…