From the Head of Junior School - South Plympton
Liz Hinrichsen
In the hustle and bustle of our modern world, with its constant demands, distractions, and fast pace, it can seem almost impossible to find time for reflection, peace, and contentment. As a result, we are often left feeling disconnected from the things that truly matter, both spiritually and emotionally.
A quote I came across recently resonated with me:
"You must arrange your days so that you are experiencing total contentment, joy, and total confidence in your everyday life with God – that and that alone is what makes the soul healthy."
This simple but profound statement by Dallas Willard challenged me to reflect on how we can cultivate a life of peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment amidst the chaos.
How often do we comment on how quickly time flies? As a child, it seemed that we waited forever for Christmas, or the next birthday. Today, even the children comment on how quickly time passes. It seems that we live in a world where time just slips through our fingers. From the moment we wake up until our heads hit the pillow, we are caught up with responsibilities, expectations, and distractions. The overload of information, whether from our phones, social media, or work, adds to the noise, pulling us further away from stillness and spending time in God’s presence.
How do we experience ‘total contentment, joy and confidence’ in such an environment? Dallas Willard suggests that the key is in how we arrange our days - creating space to experience God’s presence, embrace His guidance, and ultimately find contentment, joy, and confidence in Him, no matter what is happening in the external world.
This idea is not about rigid routines, but rather intentionality - Intentionally integrating practices in our day that foster spiritual connection and a sense of peace. Daniel 6:10 (NIV)
‘Three times a day he (Daniel) got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.’
In the Hebrew tradition, there was an intentional daily prayer rhythm: pausing three times a day – morning, midday and evening.
The Psalmist in Psalm 55:16-17 (NIV) follows this pattern,
‘As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.’
Three times a day, intentionally seeking God, His peace and guidance will remind us of His constant presence.
Contentment is often found not in big events or external circumstances but in the little moments of life. Practicing gratitude by intentionally looking for joy in everyday experiences and thanking God for these blessings can transform how we see the world around us. Joy is a choice. It’s about focusing on the blessings we have, rather than what we don’t. When life seems overwhelming, try to pause and find something small to celebrate. This simple shift can be transformative.
Total confidence in everyday life comes from trusting that God has a plan for us and that He is with us through every season of life. When we learn to trust Him fully, we can face challenges with greater resilience, knowing that He is guiding us.
‘See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.’ Isaiah 12:2 (NLT)
As we navigate the craziness of life, prioritising peace, joy, and spiritual health is exactly what we need to thrive.
Arranging our days intentionally – by creating space for God’s presence, practicing gratitude and trusting in His plan – will allow us to experience the true contentment, joy, and confidence that we all crave.
Liz Hinrichsen
Head of Junior School - South Plympton