Life Trellis

Written by Kristin Dekay

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A Life That Flourishes

What are things you could do that would keep you connected with God and others? What would make you more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled? What would help you weather the storms of life?

Building a “Rule of Life” or what we call a “Trellis” is an ancient practice originating in the monastic communities around the third century AD. The goal is simply to create an intentional set of life rhythms or “practices” that keep you in regular connection with God and others.

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Scripture

Before beginning this practice, take a moment to read the scripture below.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5 (ESV)

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How to build your Life Trellis

  1. Find a quiet place and ask God for his wisdom and strength as you begin.
  2. Grab a pen and paper (or head to your keyboard and open a new document).
  3. Consider your unique life – what are practical daily, weekly, monthly, or annual rhythms that will bring you closer to God and others?
  4. Write them down. Click here for a helpful example.
  5. Some of the practices you may already be doing – that’s great! Some you may need to work up to. For the ones you need to work on, take some time to think about how you will do it. Write down a plan of next steps and begin to work them into your life.
  6. Review your trellis annually, as some practices in your Trellis will change in different seasons of life.

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Questions

Return to these questions after doing the practice. Take your time thoughtfully answering each question. You may want to write down your answers, ponder them quietly or even talk about them with someone else.

  1. Where did you experience God in this practice?
  2. What felt obtainable and easy to implement into your daily life? Was there anything that was challenging?
  3. Do you see the Life Trellis helping you become a person of love?

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