Embracing the Sacred in Everyday Life
As I strive to cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality, I’ve come to realize that it’s not about escaping to a monastery, but rather about intentionally pausing throughout the day to connect with God. However, the mundane responsibilities of life often get in the way, making it challenging to prioritize my spiritual goals.
The Struggle is Real
From committee meetings to household chores, my daily tasks can be overwhelming. The never-ending laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning can make it difficult to focus on my spiritual aspirations. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to nurture my relationship with God.
Forming New Habits
Behavioral experts remind us that forming new habits requires time, attention, and reminders. While some reminders may be pleasant, others may be uncomfortable or even painful. For instance, someone trying to lose weight might post a picture of their desired body shape, while someone trying to quit smoking might need to confront the harsh realities of lung disease.
A Powerful Reminder
Recently, I received a beautiful bronze sculpture, “Divine Servant,” which depicts Jesus washing the feet of one of his disciples. This poignant reminder of Jesus’ humility and love now sits on my kitchen shelf, serving as a constant reminder to approach all tasks with a sense of reverence and purpose.
The Power of Service
In the Bible, we see Jesus stripping off his outer robe to wash the dirty feet of his friends, demonstrating that all work, no matter how menial, is sacred. As John van de Laar notes, “He is also encountered when we serve ‘the least.’ In this way, all work becomes an opportunity to meet Christ again, a potential for receiving and giving the grace of Christ.”
Meeting Christ in the Everyday
As I go about my daily tasks, I’m reminded to approach each task with a sense of reverence and purpose. Whether I’m scrubbing pots and pans or preparing a meal, I’m meeting Christ in the midst of my work. The words of Brother Lawrence echo in my mind: “Lord of all pots and pans and things…Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates!”
By embracing the sacred in everyday life, I’m learning to find meaning and purpose in even the most mundane tasks.
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