Once is not always enough. Often we must repeat many important things to get their full effect. Rinse and repeat is not just for grooming – it’s useful throughout much of our life and relationships.

We generally don’t like repeating ourselves. Once and done seems like an efficient way to keep life moving forward.

But repetition is often a fundamental and needed part of life.

Basic hygiene and chores, for example, are repeated daily without much thought. We repeat many tasks at work and repeatedly seek to spend time with family and friends.

Repetition can keep things from breaking down, and it also builds things up. It helps us to ponder mysteries and allows important truths to sink deep into our souls.

Good stories, for instance, must be told more than once to fully appreciate their many layers of complexity. This is why we can watch certain films time and again.

Likewise, regularly meditating on the life and teachings of Christ allows his truth to penetrate deep into our hearts and minds. Let his words wash over you again.

And in relationships, repetition is often needed in listening and expressions of love.

Even when we think we know someone, it’s best to keep listening. We’re not the same person we were yesterday. So, what was heard yesterday might not be what’s being communicated today. Listen again.

And even though our commitment to love does not change from day to day, we still long to experience a daily reality of love – for love to be expressed in its many and varied forms regularly and often.

Repetition can feel tedious. And discernment is needed to determine if it’s time to quit.

But throughout much of life, repetition takes us deeper, grounds us in truth, and opens us to the More that is available.

Once done. Rinse and repeat.

Photo by Supply on Unsplash

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist - providing Christian counseling and soul care to individuals and couples, with a special emphasis on developing the masculine soul. Suwanee, GA 30024

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