Some of my core childhood memories involved church activities. Looking back, I realise that some of the most meaningful rhythms in my life began as ones I never would have chosen for myself.
As a child, being asked to fast or attend a vigil from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. felt like some form of forced labour. Of course, I did not understand it or appreciate it. I remember sitting beside my mother during service and being coaxed to sing, dance, open my Bible, and pray.
There was nothing convenient about those moments. But is that not what discipline is about? Giving up something now to gain much more later?
Looking back, I realise my parents gave me a lot of spiritual training. I did not fully understand the reasons behind what we were being asked to do, but I did it anyway. That is what training does. It moulds you. It teaches discipline.
Then, as I grew older, I began to pray because I wanted to, not because I was worried they would have to remind me. Some might say my parents were being rigid, but I see it differently now. They were helping us build structures and systems around our faith.
The world we live in today is noisy. There is so much vying for our attention, and it takes intentional systems and routines to remain grounded in our walk with God.
This essay first appeared in Mimi Adebayo's Uncanny Perspectives newsletter and was featured by The Porch Papers.