Everyday spirituality
Defining moments in life that bring forth a sense that you are part of the universe in ways that are much bigger than yourself.

There are defining moments in life that bring forth a sense that you are part of the universe in ways that are much bigger than yourself.  You can experience awe and wonder at the birth of a child, healing of disease, mystery in science, surviving a tragic accident, catching a fish, friendship, gazing at stars in the sky, encountering wildlife, feeling the calm of a gentle stream, or the intense power of a great waterfall.

However, amazing experiences and moments of transcendence can get lost in the daily grind.  It's easy to fall into the trap of taking life for granted or mindlessly rushing from task to task.  The demands of daily life have a way of taking over and wearing you down.  But what if you could see daily activities through a spiritual lens rather than as things that get in the way or as chores that are just part of the ebb and flow of existence?  Is it possible to experience deeper meaning in ordinary, everyday life?

Take a moment and consider the follow list:

• Shopping

• PT

• Preparing Meals

• Guard Duty

• Cleaning The House

• Yard Work

• Changing Diapers

• Zeroing A Weapon

• Rush-Hour Traffic

• Getting Kids Ready For Bed

• Land Navigation

• Walking The dog

• Taking Out The Trash

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Brushing Teeth

• Work

At first glance, none of these might seem particularly spiritual or even things you might look forward to.  The activity itself might not be significant; it might have more to do with the way in which you carry it out, the people who are impacted, and the memories you create along the way.

Seeing the routine as spiritual can bring new meaning to your daily grind.  It can help connect you to a greater sense of purpose in the everyday.  Cutting a neighbor's grass becomes more than just an extra chore added to an already busy schedule.  It might be a way to bless and encourage someone going through a difficult time.  Inconveniences—such as cleaning dirty handprints off a door or picking up an endless stream of toys—can become a way to appreciate a toddler learning to explore the world.  Even housework or picking up trash alongside a road can be an expression of care for what you have been given.  The eyes of the heart are opened through gratefulness.

Appreciation is a window through which you can see riches in everyday life.  There's a tendency to not fully realize something's value until it is missing.  A thankful heart transforms the ordinary and allows you to savor and cherish the everyday in a meaningful way.