My To-Do List
The other day I was thinking about my to-do list, that small piece of paper on which I write my chores or goals for the day or week. Here are a few items currently on my to-do list: write blog (which I’m doing now!), call Sue, mail handouts to Kalamazoo, prepare presentations for Villa Maria, PA, return library books, get oil change, answer Elaine’s email, write two Advent reflections. Nothing too earthshaking there, just the ordinary tasks of an ordinary day.
Everytime I accomplish something on my list, I cross it off. I feel good when I do that. I get a real sense of accomplishment. In fact, sometimes if I do an errand that is not on my to-do list, I quickly write it on my list and then immediately cross it off. (I bet I’m not the only person who does this!)
But today I was thinking: what would my to-do list look like for my spiritual life? Maybe something like this: become a more loving person, talk to God more, help someone in need, smile often, enjoy God’s creation more, forgive that offense, say you’re sorry, read something spiritual.
The truth is, of course, we really don’t have two different lists. It is precisely through our ordinary to-do list that we achieve the deeper goals on our spiritual to-do list. Calling Sue, for example, is a way I reach out to a friend who is a little “under the weather” these days. My writing is another way I reach out to other people. I also talk to God often while I’m writing. If our ordinary to-do list bears no connection to our spiritual to-do list, then something needs to change. Perhaps we just have to become more aware of how our ordinary tasks can really be spiritual acts.
What about you? Do you have a to-do list? If so, what’s on it? How do your ordinary activities relate to your growth as a spiritual person?
The Shooting at Chardon High School
As many of you know, I live in Chardon, Ohio. What you may not know is that I live at St. Mary convent which, together with our church and elementary school, is right across the street from Chardon Middle School and High School. I was close to the tragic events on Monday, February 27 when a student opened fire in the high school cafeteria, shooting five students. Three of them died. As I write this, one student is still hospitalized in serious condition. A fifth student was released from the hospital last week. (more…)
The Warning Signs Around My House
The other day I was reflecting on all the warning signs around my house. It began early in the morning as I slipped the newspaper out of its protective plastic sleeve. Stamped on the plastic sleeve were these words in big black letters: WARNING: TO AVOID DANGER OF SUFFOCATION, KEEP ALL PLASTIC BAGS AWAY FROM BABIES AND CHILDREN. (more…)
The Love of Books
I just finished reading a book entitled For the Love of Books by Ronald B. Shwartz. The author asked hundreds of celebrated writers to name 3-6 books they love or that greatly influence their lives. The books could be of every kind, genre and period. Over 100 writers responded. I really enjoyed reading their selections.
The Price We Pay for Ashes
A first grade teacher was telling her students about receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday. When she was finished she asked, “D you have any questions?” One little girl raised her hand and asked, “Are they FREE?”
I love this true story. Though she was only six years old, the little girl knew how wonderful it was to get something for nothing. I don’t know what answer that teacher gave to that child, but I do know the answer I would give to an adult. Are the ashes free? YES and NO.
Yes, the ashes are free. No collection will be taken up to pay for them. But in another way, the ashes are NOT free. Why? Because the ashes are a way of publicly proclaiming our faith. When we receive them we are saying, “These ashes mark me as a disciple of Jesus.” And being a disciple of Jesus always costs us something. That cost can take many forms: being patient with a whining child, giving generously to your church, making time for prayer, doing small favors cheerfully, forgiving a past hurt, being honest when we’re tempted to cheat or lie.
The beginning of Lent is a good time to ask ourselves: Do my words and actions mark me as a disciple of Jesus? I would also like to hear from you. Do you have any suggestions for Lenten practices that you would be willing to share with us?
