Spring is busy! In the midst of a busy time, I seek moments for feeding my spirit.

What’s been keeping me busy? Our new puppy Mufasa, who was in the local paper. I’ve been writing: I wrote 10,000 words in April for my memoir. I’ll be part of the Mizzou Campus Author’s Event on May 17, Jesse Hall.

We’re getting ready for a milestone celebration. My son will graduate May 22 and attend Mizzou this fall.

 

Beyond the keyboard, my fingers have been flying getting my final crochet projects ready for the annual art show. I invite you to come to the MU Staff Arts & Crafts Showcase Grand Opening May 24 from noon to 1 p.m., Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union.

I have to find my spirituality in the nooks and crannies of my life.

Car Monastery

We live in the country and commute to work. We’re in the car 12+ hours a week.

I don’t have time to go away to a fabulous monastery in the mountains so my retreat looks like the inside of 1998 Toyota Camry (grey with a few coffee stains). I’ve written about how the structure of a spiritually centered life appeals to me in Nun vs. Couch Lady. Our commute time is perfect for reminding us why we’re here (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

We have three parts to our morning spiritual practice.

My husband and I exchange three things that we’re grateful for. Sometimes they are simple, such as “sunlight, hot coffee and silly animals.” Sometimes they are deep, “our health, scholarships for our son and 20 years of marriage together.”

The temptation to dwell on “Woe is me” lurks constantly. It would be easy to get dragged down by a $1,300 car repair bill or the broken clothes dryer (air-dried towels are very crunchy). I have to fight envy. The habit of looking for blessings keeps us buoyant.

We sing a song together. We sing the same song. Some days we rasp it out, some days we succeed in harmony. It doesn’t matter. We just need to sing.

I read a daily devotional out loud while he drives. We hear stories from believers from all over the world and we have a new prayer focus every morning.

These practices don’t take much time, but they start our day off with an attitude of thankfulness and faith.

A side effect of time in our car monastery? I feel happier in spite of crunchy towels.

What can you add as a reminder to sing, give thanks and pray inside the edges of your own busy schedule?

May this week bring you unexpected blessings and sweet moments of connection! ❤