Let us find the sacred deep within the ordinary, in the sweetness in our coffee and the bread on our table. Let us never miss a chance to praise what is good—and let the rest go by.
+Donna Schaper Pleasing yourself with special treats from time to time is vital to a healthy, satisfying life…. We need to surround ourselves with little rewards that mean something to us, that we can keep separate. Whether it be a sip of wine, a shopping spree, a well-deserved vacation, a vigorous laugh, or a satisfying cry—such small indulgences can brighten and enliven our lives.
+Robert Ornstein, David Sobe
I FIND IT EASY to find the sacred within the ordinary when the trees and flowers are awakening in the springtime, the birds are chirping in the bushes, the weather is sunny and the temperature is just right (75 degrees), and the rain waters the earth gently and generously. How could I not find all this sacred?
In light of what’s been happening lately—wars, accidents, weather-related traumas—it is not easy to find anything sacred about these events perhaps because they do not satisfy our need for the “good” things of life.
This reflection on finding the sacred within the ordinary comes to me these days as I help one of our Sisters move from assisted living to long-term care right here at our Motherhouse. As she peruses the various contents of her closet, dresser, and desk, she often comments on what her earthly possessions have meant to her and how many of them she is now able to part with and others still hold a significant meaning for her. She is giving me a wonderful example of moving on in her life and how to go about it with a sense of appreciating what has been and what is yet to be.
It is important for us in our later years to be able to still have a satisfying, meaningful life even when we face the transitions that accompany the privilege of living a long life. To be able to savor a cup of coffee, a piece of cake, a dish of ice cream, a glass of wine, or a favorite meal helps us enjoy life even when we may have had to give up many other of our favorite things and experiences. I hope that I will never miss a chance to praise what is good—and let the rest go by. I agree with Ornstein and Sobel that such small indulgences can and do brighten and enliven our lives. I also believe that is how we find the sacred within these ordinary things and experiences in our lives. Let’s go deep!
Sister Mary Thill is a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. She can be reached at mthill@sistersosf.org. ✲
