When my daughter was little, she took swimming lessons. At first, she would take a big gulp of air and try to get all the way across the pool. After a few strokes, she’d flounder, gasping for air. Finally, she learned to turn her head and get a breath with every stroke. Then swimming became fun.
I see the same problem in my spiritual life. I take a big gulp of grace with my morning prayer, but long before bedtime arrives, I’ve floundered. I said something insensitive. I overlooked an opportunity to help. I got irritable or anxious. I need to turn my attention to God throughout the day.
Yet it seems that I’ve barely said “Amen” before my mind is filled with worldly concerns. The morning paper is full of bad news. I’ve got chores to do, errands to run, and emails to answer. I need godly reminders, like the appointment cards from my doctor and hair dresser that decorate my refrigerator.
I know that one great reminder is pausing to say grace before meals. I try to vary the form of the prayer, so I have to pay attention to what I’m saying. However, if I’m eating in the car or in front of the TV, I forget. I’m trying to make food, not just the dinner table, my trigger for prayer.
Speaking of cars, the Sacred Heart Auto League is still in business. I find a rosary on the mirror distracts me when I’m driving. However, I do like a medallion for my visor or dashboard. I’ve got a stash of Christian music CDs in the glove compartment to make drive time praise time, and St. Christopher hangs from my key chain.
Crucifixes, statues and Catholic art serve as reminders in our homes. A priest friend suggested that I move these items around regularly, so I don’t become blind to them. Just sticking my Palm Sunday fronds behind my crucifix made it stand out for me again. Most of us have an area for family photos. St. Damien and St. Marianne are members of our faith family who would fit right in.
I used to have a rosary ring, about the size of a quarter. As a teacher, I generally wore slacks to work. The ring was in my right hand pocket and was just heavy enough to remind me of its presence. When I needed an extra measure of patience, I’d reach into that pocket and grab a prayer. Believe me, it helped.
Many of us keep a Bible and/or missal book on the night stand. Reading a short passage is a great way to begin and end the day. It works at noon, too. I’m a big fan of The Word Among Us. The magazine has the three daily Mass readings and a meditation for every day of the month. It’s small and light enough to fit in a purse or briefcase to make lunch or the coffee break more meaningful.
Can I be a little indelicate here and mention that there is another small room in the house where we all sit a few times a day? Mine has a basket stocked with Catholic publications. I get something from them I don’t get from Reader’s Digest.
When I consider my sins, I see more blindness than malice. I’m so wrapped up in my own concerns that I forget the needs of those around me. When I remember God, I remember my neighbor as well. Since God is too polite to nag me, I’m trying to nag myself. I’ve learned that if I turn to God frequently throughout the day, living is much more fun.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, or e-mail: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
