What is your stress level at the moment? Take a moment to simply pause, if possible close your eyes, and assess the tightness of your shoulders, neck, and jaw. Then, inhale and slowly let out your breath. Did you sense the high tension or moderate anxiousness to stop and begin your highly anticipated day of chores, work, meetings, care giving, and social interactions? We must ask ourselves, “Why?”
“What is the hurry? Will quickly accomplishing my daily tasks, make me better, wiser, and more reconnected with Christ?” For many of us, unless we are feeding the poor or participating in its equal, we honestly do not know why, why we rush. Even as we complete our daily tasks, more tasks will be awaiting our attention tomorrow and the next day and so forth.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:25-34 to not be anxious and that worrying cannot extend the hours of our days.
Therefore, if there are 24 hours in the day, why not begin the day in prayer and thanksgiving?
Too easy, correct? Well, unfortunately many of us still struggle even to share 5 minutes of uninterrupted attention to important things that can bring us wellness.
Suggestion: start slow and then grow. For example, before or after your morning energy routine of coffee, or juice and breakfast, recite a prayer to Jesus. (See daily prayers link on homepage) It can be a prayer of your choice and then a quick thank you for yet another day of life. Many will find this short routine doable and likely look forward to the next time.
As you grow, spiritually, you may begin to notice, like physical exercise, the prayer becomes a part of your daily routine. You may feel as though something is missing if you understandably forget a day or so.
Nevertheless, stay consistent despite the days of prayer missed. Offer yourself the grace to begin again. Remind yourself that some progress is better than no progress. You may then notice your growth will go from one prayer to two. Then you may even begin to incorporate a psalm, a scripture reading or a rosary with meditation. The possibilities are endless and fruitful.
Prayer: Lord Jesus grant me the wisdom to put my trust in You so that through prayer and thanksgiving, I may grow spiritually, devoting more and more time to embrace Your love.
Amen. By Isabel Anderson
Love thy neighbor as thyself 