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How to find God in our ordinary lives?
It’s about what we do, and how we do it, or the principles that inform and inspire our thoughts, words, and actions.
We must cultivate good and noble habits and the cardinal and theological virtues that will guide us on the righteous path.
Ordinary lives become holy lives by the daily choices we make to develop the mental and spiritual skills we need to work in the world, through the use of our God-given talents and gifts.
We find God as we embrace our vocation, literally, that which we are called to do. And by understanding “work” as a means to encounter God, and share in God’s creative power.
The tasks we perform in our ordinary lives are opportunities to fulfill a plan and purpose bigger than ourselves.
To make our work a daily dialogue with God and a manifestation of our Christian faith, we must remember Jesus’ words:
“He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23: 11-12
In our ordinary lives, we are called to love and to serve.
“Even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28
The focus on love and servant-leadership was a radical social shift in the message and life of Jesus Christ. It shattered the deeply-rooted paradigms of religious leaders and still stumps many today.
It was a shock to their system, institutions, way of life, and their relationship with God. But, as Jesus came to embody, love and service to God and one another, is the truth, and the way.
We grow in holiness by accepting our call to love and embracing an attitude of service in our work and interactions outside and inside the home, with family, friends, and strangers.
In what we do and how we do it, we are truly called to develop key qualities that enrich our relationship with God: humility, obedience, and confidence.
The humility to appreciate our talents, creativity, energy, time, and opportunities as gifts in the service of others.
The obedience to God’s greater plan and purpose, especially when our interests get in the way.
The confidence that His plan is good…very good.
Humility
The virtue by which a Christian acknowledges that God is the author of all good. Humility avoids inordinate ambition or pride, and provides the foundation for turning to God in prayer. Voluntary humility can be described as “poverty of spirit.”
(CCC 2559, 2546)
Obedience
The submission to the authority of God requires everyone to obey the divine law. Obedience to the Church is required in those things which pertain to our salvation, and obedience is due to legitimate civil authority.
(CCC 1897)
The fourth commandment obliges children to obey their parents.
(CCC 2216)
Confidence
The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
So, let me ask you two simple questions: What are you doing today? How are you doing it?
Humility, obedience, and confidence are challenging virtues to awaken and cultivate in our modern, materialistic, and individualistic world.
If we are to believe social media, as a collective, humans today seem to be ever more myopic, focused on their particular concerns, ever more adverse to authority, and unable to trust.
Are we always looking toward the extraordinary moment, the extraordinary experience, the extraordinary life? Has that brought us any real fulfillment, deeper connection, and lasting joy?
Even the most ordinary act, from the most everyday disciple, can make a difference when done with love and in service.
Every ordinary task done with love and in the spirit of service is a thank-you note to God. St. Therese of Lisieux knew this well. Her little way was one of humility, obedience, and confidence.
She accepted her ordinary existence, her little contribution in service to her sisters, community, and Creator. Her role was small but significant. The seed she planted bloomed beautifully.
The wait to become extraordinary in the eyes of the world is futile. Resist. Embrace the ordinary. Use it as the moment to offer back to God with humility, obedience, and confidence.
Find your little way.
If you like to ponder these subjects, join us as we tend and grow these humble mustard seeds. We hope you’ll be inspired to sow your own. Come back weekly, or follow the blog on FB, IG, and X.
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