St. Augustine defined peace as ‘the tranquility of order.’ That’s true on many levels, isn’t it? At the grandest of levels, Jesus Christ’s return will bring peace through the restoration of order lost in Eden. And, on a far more mundane level, a disorganized life is synonymous with a hectic life. Whatever the context, the axiom holds: peace cannot coexist with chaos.
We never plan on becoming addicted, but the progression of addiction creates chaos. To set our recovery on the right path, we need to restore order in our lives, develop new time-management skills, and make organization and structure a priority. In the early stages of recovery, it can feel like our life is all over the place.Everything is different. Our past times, our conversations, the places we hang out, even our friends may be different.
Here are some practical things we can do every day to become more organized and to create peace out of chaos as we walk through our recovery journey:
- Have a consistent routine and stick with it
- Maintain a healthy balance between work and home
- Avoid overscheduling
- Plan ahead
- Clean up clutter around the house
- Find a place for everything and keep it there
- Eat healthy
- Get plenty of rest
- Talk through issues
- Spend time with loved ones
- Call a friend
- Pray
- Read and meditate on God’s word
How much order do you have in your life? However much, it’s more than likely directly proportionate to the levels of tranquility and peace in your life as well. Is your desk, garage, or closet kept in such a way that you’re able to find what you need when you need it? How about those drawers and cabinets?
If you never can find what you thought you filed, or can’t find the file, you’re much less efficient. If you can’t find a tool when you need it and have to buy another, you’re much less profitable. If you have to spend time hunting for your keys, your wallet, or your mail you’re much more frustrated. And if you can’t find the things you need when you need them, you’re much less prepared and confident.
In Ezekiel 38:7 we find the Lord telling His people: ‘Get ready; be prepared!‘ These words are also on the lips of military leaders, coaches, athletes, musicians, and others whose lives demand excellence. Restoring order from the chaos of addiction puts us at peace, brings tranquility, sharpens clarity, increases confidence, and helps keep our recovery on the path to success.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9