Feast Day of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Happy Feast Day of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux who said, "Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love."

What does it look like to do ordinary things with love?

It is getting up in the middle of the night to comfort a crying child, holding that cuddle for as long as is needed.

It is doing the dishes (or other chore) as a gift to our family and/or our future self.

It is doing our jobs with understanding that the people we interact with are children of God who have complex lives and worries of their own.

Let us be gentle and kind with one another.

It is looking beyond the behavior when someone is unkind, frustrated, overwhelmed, and it is helping them when they are having a hard time - empathy is always a good place to start.

It is being present with others when we are with them rather than being distracted by other thoughts, worries, or wants.

It is listening earnestly so others feel heard.

It is presuming the good and good intentions of others.

It is seeing the person in all interactions and treating them as we would anyone we love and respect.

It is being genuinely grateful and acknowledging that gratitude.

It is noting and appreciating the people in our lives.

It is noting and appreciating the animals and plants and environment around us.

It is noting and appreciating the beauty we see, the fragrances we smell, the sounds we hear, the sensations we feel.

It is living today with awareness and doing the next right thing, letting go of worry.

It is giving our worries to God and seeking His will for today.

It is seeking self-care when we are triggered and unable to do the above.

This could mean solitude, reflection, prayer, counseling, etc to help heal the hurts that prevent us from being lovingly present.

May Christ's Peace be with you.

💕🙏💕