finding faith in the simplicity of everyday life...Holly McCarthy

Holly McCarthy came across my blog awhile back and was reflecting on faith and asked if she could share some musings on everyday faith. In the context of where we find ourselves today Holly finds faith in the simplicity of everyday life. So welcome Holly, and hopefully she'll be back to share more of her musings.

Finding Goodness in Daily Life 

With all that is constantly going on in the world, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s important.  Each day, we are bombarded with stories and images of everything that is going wrong with humanity.  Occasionally we hear or see an uplifting story, but you may just miss it if you’re not in the right place at the right time.  There is goodness in daily life; you just have to seek it out if you want to reaffirm your faith. 

The Joy of Children 

Even if you don’t have children of your own, take a close look at the way children behave when you are out and about.  They live in the moment, unafraid to laugh when they’re happy and cry when they are not.  Children look at everything with a sense of wonder and are curious about so many things that we as adults take for granted.  Make an attempt to look at the world through the eyes of a child and rekindle your fascination with what has become ordinary. 

Empathy for Your Fellow Man 

As we go through our lives, we begin to close ourselves in and narrow our focus to just our own lives.  In a world where everything is practically available when you want it, it’s no wonder that we have become self-absorbed in the process.  Take time to meet new people and volunteer some time to help others who are less fortunate than yourself.  It will increase your awareness of the plight of others on a concrete level—then you can actually do something to help others in an authentic way.  You will see that people really are basically good once you eliminate your prejudices. 

The Wonders of Nature 

If you are stuck inside all the time, make a point to get outside and reconnect with nature.  From the birds in the trees singing their songs, to the wind blowing, our planet is one that is full of life everywhere you turn.  Winter can feel bleak at times, but remember, that this cycle of death and renewal is essential to maintaining balance and sustainability in our lives and the life of the planet we call home.  Keeping an eye on the interrelatedness of our world is not only pleasurable, but miraculous to say the least. 

Friends and Family 

As the saying goes, “no man is an island.”  It is easy to lose sight of all the good things in life if you don’t have anyone to share your life with.  Friends and family are the support structure of a healthy and happy life.  If you have gone some time without the company of others, reach out and reconnect with those who mean something to you.  Sometimes, it is hard to reconnect with people face to face, so call or email those you have lost touch with.  Making new friends and getting together with people socially also helps to rekindle any feelings of disconnectedness and helps put things into a different perspective as well. 

By-line:

This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of a construction management degrees online. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com

Comments

[Randy Hein]

truly an expression of incarnational spirituality ...