My parents had a thing
they did. Every single time one of them left the house or returned, they kissed
three times. The kisses were short pecks on the lips. Sometimes with sound
effects “Mm, Mmm, Mmmmm.” Always in triplicate. If they were mad at each other
with the first obligatory smack, they had warmed up by the third one.
We often joke about Mom
and Dad’s triple kisses and wonder why three. As a teenager, I just wished they
would go to their room. As a thirtysomething, I smiled at their consistency. As
a sixtysomething now, I realize it was one of many little habits that wove strength
into the relationship fiber.
My husband and I also
kiss on exit and entry. Not just for trips or for work, but even for quick
errands to the store and back. It’s usually a single kiss, maybe lingering long
enough to match my parents’ triplets. Lately we’ve taken to texting the kissing
emoji three times for emphasis.
Our departure and
greeting smooches were born of cultivated intentional habit. Partly out of
desire to minimize regrets should one party not return. Partly out of
insistence that we offer affection even if we don’t feel like it or are in a
hurry or are out of sorts with the other.
Relationships benefit
from steady habits.
Our relationship with God
benefits from steady habits.
Jehovah put this idea
into Israel’s heart:
Listen Israel: The LORD
our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all
your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today
are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you
sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when
you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your
forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
[Deut 6:4-9, CSB]
Consistency wins. Repetition
wins. Habits win.
Author, Osheta Moore,
teaches her readers to pray what she calls “breath prayers.” Or “dragon breath
prayers” when done early in the morning! The idea is to repeat a very short
prayer three times while inhaling and exhaling.
So this is the new
habit I’m starting to work on:
LORD, (inhale) I am yours today.
(exhale)
LORD, (inhale) I am yours today.
(exhale)
LORD, (inhale) I am yours today.
(exhale)
What are the habits you
already have woven into your relationship with God?
What are the new habits
you want to cultivate with Him in this new year?
Are there any habits
that you want to do in triplicate with Him?
