Add a sacred element to everything

"Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for one who loves another has fulfilled the law." Romans 13: 8.

Have you ever wondered if you were spiritual enough? And thought if there was only extra time you could do more for God? Time to pray more often, attend church more frequently and make a concentrated effort to help other people. I was vulnerable to all those feelings until I recently heard a comment made by our pastor that allowed me to change my perspective.

I often become exceedingly absorbed in what I am doing, especially jobs concerning family obligations and work. And I consequently feel guilty and remorseful because of my lack of time to consciously pray and meditate. Holiday seasons are when I feel most neglectful of talking to God. I wanted to insert more prayer time into my day. Fortunately Father Tom solved my quandary when he declared, "One can make everything sacred." The meaning immediately settled into my mind because it solved my dilemma of having too little prime time for God. My thoughts remained immersed in preparations for family visitors at Christmas, and I wondered if I had the most appropriate gifts for everyone.

I suddenly realized how I could include God in my life, while accomplishing necessary tasks during the various seasons. I contemplated that every time I met harassed and grumpy shoppers at stores I could think of God and ask him to bless those people, relieving their stress while helping me to exercise patience at my perceived unjust treatment from them. I could ungrudgingly move my cart aside so others could pass by, even if I was there first. As I chose gifts for loved ones, I could think of Jesus and ask, "What would he choose?" As I shopped for groceries for my family get-togethers I could thank God for the guests. And also give thanks for enough money with which to purchase food and gifts.I could make all my preparations sacred, if I chose.

During ordinary times of the year, I could picture God's presence beside me while driving to work and recognize my good fortune at having a job. And I needed to be cognizant of and grateful for my good health. As I entertained my special little people (some call it baby-sitting) I could remember God's high regard for children "and whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me" (Matthew 18:5). And I could appreciate it was a privilege to be part of their lives, knowing whatever I did for them I performed for God. That alone made the actions sacred.

As I continued to devise ways to include prayer time amidst all of life's busy times I was enlightened that I did not "always" need to set aside a specific time for prayer, although it was better if I did. Rather I could make all of life prayerful. My work and leisure could be a prayer if it was performed for Jesus. When I had my hair styled at a beauty shop, I could visualize Jesus in all the people there -- praising their skills, listening to their stories, and hopefully raising their spirits. Rather than complaining the service was too expensive, I could remember to tip, recalling money, too, was sacred if respected and used rightly. And recall the sacredness of workers receiving "just" wages for their efforts.

Everything in life is indeed sacred, if one exercises love. And after absorbing that truth I felt confident I, too, had time to pray all day long if I simply paused, noticed and "made everything sacred."

Ellen Shuck is director of religious education at St. Mary Cathedral parish in Cape Girardeau.