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On a recent trip to my local bookshop, I noticed James Clear’s hugely popular, Atomic Habits, on a table near the front of the store. The 2018 bestseller now has a companion workbook. I was tempted to buy both. I am sure many others did. Because, one thing most of us know intuitively, is that small choices repeated over time—habits—lead to what becomes the way we live our lives, and reflects, ultimately, what we value.

This got me to thinking about walking in lines. More specifically, it got me thinking about why we spend so much time and effort here at Rockbridge teaching grammar students to walk in lines. Without a good understanding of why this one simple habit has value, one could begin to think it is a bit restrictive, a little too military-like, even harsh. I mean, what is the big deal if the line is a little wiggly, ziggy-zaggy, and jumpy as long as everyone makes it safely back to class and in good time?

I am glad you asked, because recently I had a group of students with just such a line. Initially, I was tempted to chalk it up to too much sugar and Christmas excitement. It wasn’t until another teacher called out my students as she walked by, that I caught up with the class and addressed their behavior. In that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit reminding me, why this one, simple activity is so important. I will share with you what I shared with the class.

While lines may be restrictive and military-like, they are an especially wonderful opportunity for spiritual formation. Our infinitely wise God has allowed our sanctification to be gradual. While our justification and salvation are complete already, sanctification takes time. Walking in line is a means of sanctification that develops obedience and humility, trust, and love for others. Let me explain.

As the student, I line up first because my teacher tells me to. There are many things God tells me to do, too. And though I want to be the line leader (always), accepting my spot in line helps me learn to be second, or third, or fifteenth, and thus helps me to consider others better than myself. This surely takes practice.

Lining up also teaches me how to trust others. Instead of tilting my head sideways to look ahead, I keep my eyes on the classmate in front of me, accepting that he is doing the same, as is every other classmate right up to the line leader. In my life as a Christian, I need to trust fellow believers, to rely on them, and they on me. I am even called to it.

Lastly, walking in line helps me learn how to love. When I remain in line, I learn to respect others space, to make room for them. I learn, too, that part of God’s love for me is in providing order and limits. I imitate God’s order by keeping an orderly line. In this, I am reflecting, and respecting, His character.

So the next time you are walking the halls here at school and you see grammar students walking in line, take encouragement that while they may not be practicing atomic habits, they are learning eternal ones. 

Photo Credit: John Daly

Melanie Kaiss has taught PE at Rockbridge Academy since 2004. She began teaching when her oldest child was in second grade. All four of her children have since graduated from Rockbridge (Classes of 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2024). Over the last 21 years, Melanie has taught PE at every grade level, been assistant to the Athletic Director, coached girls soccer and lacrosse, and run numerous Discovery Summer camps for five years running. Melanie’s husband, Stephen, joined the Rockbridge board shortly after she began teaching. He became a permanent board member and continues to serve today.