Maybe we need to see every season, every time, every moment of life as something out of the ordinary, even extraordinary. Something rare. Something to be treasured. A gift.
Living as a Christian comes down to “a habit of being.” It is a way of living in the world and embracing God’s grace, actually looking for it. It also means looking for ways to bring that grace into the world by keeping in our hearts the two great commandments: love of God and love of neighbour (Matthew 22:34-40).
It sounds so simple. But we know it isn’t. We stumble. We fall. We forget. We sin. So what can we do about it? Here are some ideas: five “habits of being” - choices we can make that can change how we live and how we love. Over time, they can even make the ordinary life an extraordinary one. They can even draw us closer to God.
First is the Habit of Prayer. This is where it begins. A simple but quiet and persistent habit of daily prayer to begin and end the day. Taking five minutes every morning to place ourselves before God and pray for the day ahead with praise, wonder, and hope can leave us open to God working in our lives. It can remind us of the one who brought our world into being and who walks with us through the challenges of life. And closing the day with a quiet prayer of thanksgiving can similarly keep us grounded and grateful.
Second is the Habit of Gratitude. St. Paul told the Thessalonians, “In all circumstances give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That remains invaluable advice for us today. An “attitude of gratitude” to God for the simple gift of life can open our hearts to so much that we might take for granted. It can help us too to see God’s generosity at work in the world and help us cherish even more unexpected blessings.
The third is the Habit of Attention. Giving time and attention to those around us can help us to love the Lord by loving his creation. And that can help us love our neighbours. Listening to those in pain, lending an ear/a hand to those in need, visiting the sick or homebound are all habits that can help us to see beyond ourselves. These habits can even help us see the face of Christ in other people.
The fourth is the Habit of Forgiveness. This may be the hardest habit of all. Scripture is clear: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Christ showed us on the cross, asking his Father to forgive those who put him to death. Holding a grudge is ordinary. We all do it, don’t we? But to forgive, to love, to pray for those who despise us that’s extraordinary. It is the ultimate way of loving our neighbour. If you find it hard (and who doesn’t), remember Habit #one: Pray. Ask for the grace, guidance and resilience to forgive.
The fifth is the Habit of Hope. Christians are a people of hope. We are an Easter people who keep our eyes fixed on the cross and see beyond it to an empty tomb. We live in possibility. We trust in God’s overwhelming mercy and the sure knowledge that he does not abandon us in our need. Make hoping a habit, and you will be reminded again and again of God’s tenderness, generosity, and love. Hope, after all, “does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).
Jesus reminded us of these attributes again and again. But they take practice to become habits. Work on them. Keep them in mind. You might be surprised at how they can redirect your mind and uplift your heart and make a life you thought was ordinary extraordinary.
-Words are taken from an article by Deacon Greg Kandra in the Oct. 2021 issue of The WORD among us.
Deacon Norbert Gaudet, RC Church Raymore
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
