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One of my grandson’s teachers taught him, “Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice,” leading him to download an app to help him with daily scripture meditation.

I like the concept, and I had already been thinking about it (not in those words) because of changes to my behavior since Father’s Day. Suddenly I find myself moving my arms more when I walk the dog–no more shuffling along with hands in pockets if it’s cold. When I ride my exercise bicycle, my heart rate is 10 – 15 beats higher than it used to be. I vacuumed the house using my left hand!

Why? Because I got an Apple Watch for Father’s Day, and it tracks all those things! June has had a Fitbit since Mother’s Day, and she’s counting steps. I was so inspired, we decided to spring for the Apple Watch for me. And because it knows you’re walking only if your arm is moving, no more walking with hands in pockets! And now, for the first time, my heart rate is accessible. We bought a heart-rate monitor several years ago after reading Younger Next Year (highly recommend), but the monitor just sat in a drawer most of the time–too hard to use. But now that the watch reports my heart rate, I’m encouraged to pedal harder and make other exercise goals. “Make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

Here a non-technical example: I keep my safety glasses in plain sight on my garage workbench. If I need to drive a nail, for example, the safety glasses are as easy to pick up as my hammer.

So what can we do to make our spiritual disciplines “the easy choice”? Here are some suggestions. Please add yours in the comments!

• Arrange your time with God space the night before. A friend keeps his Bible and journal beside his favorite chair, for example.
• Carry scripture memory cards with you or use a phone app. (I like BibleMemory (formerly called ScriptureTyper.)
• Use a Bible reading schedule or other plan. Here’s the 5x5x5 New Testament Plan. If you want to read the Bible through in a year (or several years, I recommend the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan.
• Measure what you want to do. Apple Watch and Fitbit work because they make measuring exercise elements easy. This Time with God template encourages consistency as you get started. Just print one copy for each week, fold and leave in your Bible.

…choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24.15, ESV)

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11.28 – 30, NKJV)