I've been trying to use my spiritual life to help keep me centered and disconnect from work. I still haven't reached the consistency I'd like to have in my prayer life, but as I was confiding in a coworker who asked "Have you been praying?" I was very much reminded how essential and necessary prayer is to protect to exposure of the dark and evil side of the world.
Today in particular, I joined some fellow Catholic Young Adults from the metro area in the heart of my Archdiocese to volunteer with a grocery delivery service for families in need. I participated in thirteen deliveries today, while receiving an immeasurable amount of spiritual nourishment.
We traveled to a part of the city that is out of my comfort zone, as well as the other two people in my delivery group. There are worse parts of the city we could venture into, at worse times, but it was definitely a reminder to me that I am pretty well off. As I reflected on things from my own personal life, I realized what grace there is that. My family and I have certainly had our struggles, but I have never been in truly dire circumstances. Everything has happened in a way that I have been spared the worst the world has to offer. I have done nothing to merit the good fortune of being dealt a hand that has its own advantages (birth location, family status, ethnic favor). I have done nothing to earn God's favor, I couldn't possibly earn the grace that is freely given. I fall short constantly, and repeatedly, sometimes almost unrepentantly and stubbornly. I fail, at one time or anything, everyone I love.
Likewise, I can't apologize for having life advantages beyond my control, but I do have a responsibility to take the time, treasure, and talent I have and use it for the good of others. Today I met a woman who cried tears of gratitude over the food we delivered, and shared with us some of her struggles and prayer concerns, which concerned another family member and not herself. Several people wanted to know how to refer other families for assistance through the program we were a part of. Another woman warned us to be cautious of the weather this evening (we live in tornado alley after all). Sharing a piece of these people's lives for a brief moment did as much good for my soul as it did for them, I hope.
In the car between deliveries my fellow volunteers and I shared stories about our lives and our faith journeys. We talked about things we do daily for our spiritual health, and I can always benefit from others' ideas as I work to find the best fit for my own personal spirituality. After all deliveries were completed, the other half of our young adult volunteers joined with those available for lunch near the lake. We talked about secular things, as well as one person's conversion story and what it's like to be a cradle Catholic versus a convert, how sometimes those raised in the faith can take it for granted.
I suppose the take away from the whole day for me is how important community is for the spiritual life. Our relationship with each other, the love we show to other humans, is critical to our spiritual health. Take the time to have some real, genuine fellowship with members of your community and to serve others.
"Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, that you do also for me."
