Chapter December 12

"It’s about finding the divine in the ordinary, in the everyday, in the moments we often take for granted." - 50 Short Essays on Being Christian

It’s about finding the divine in the ordinary, in the everyday, in the moments we often take for granted. This simple statement, whispered like a secret, holds within it a profound truth. A truth that has echoed through the ages, carried on the wind from ancient philosophers to modern poets. It's a truth that invites us to pause, to look closer, to listen deeper to the symphony of existence unfolding around us, and within us, each day.

Imagine Emily, a baker in a small French village, rising before dawn to knead dough, the scent of yeast and flour filling the air. As she shapes each loaf, she's not just performing a task, but participating in a ritual as old as time—the transformation of simple ingredients into nourishment, a communion with the earth and its bounty. Or consider Kenji, a calligrapher in Kyoto, meticulously grinding ink, preparing his brush, each stroke a meditation, a dance between ink and paper, a moment of profound presence.

For them, and countless others like them, the sacred isn't found in grand cathedrals or elaborate ceremonies, but in the quiet dedication to their craft, in the simple act of showing up fully in each moment. It's in the way sunlight streams through a window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. It's in the shared laughter with a friend, a moment of connection that transcends the mundane. It's in the unexpected kindness of a stranger, a reminder that we're all interconnected, part of something larger than ourselves.

The world whispers to us constantly, revealing its secrets in the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, the gentle hum of a city waking up. But we often rush past, lost in our thoughts, anxieties, and to-do lists, blind to the beauty that surrounds us. We forget that the present moment, this very breath, is a miracle, a gift to be savored.

Mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, becomes a key to unlocking the sacred in the ordinary. When we slow down, when we truly see the world around us, we begin to notice the intricate details, the subtle shifts in light and shadow, the symphony of sounds that often go unheard. The world becomes a canvas painted with divine brushstrokes, each moment a masterpiece waiting to be appreciated.

Gratitude, too, plays a vital role in this journey of discovery. When we cultivate a heart filled with thankfulness, we shift our focus from what's lacking to what's abundant. We begin to see the good, the beautiful, the miraculous in the everyday. A warm cup of tea on a cold morning, a comforting conversation with a loved one, the simple act of breathing—all become sources of joy and appreciation.

This isn't to say that life is always easy or that challenges don't exist. There will be moments of sorrow, frustration, and pain. But even in these difficult times, we can find glimpses of the sacred if we look closely enough. The resilience of the human spirit, the compassion of a helping hand, the quiet strength that emerges from adversity—these, too, are expressions of the divine.

Perhaps the key lies in recognizing that the sacred and the ordinary aren't separate entities, but two sides of the same coin. The divine isn't confined to temples or scriptures, but woven into the very fabric of existence. It's in the laughter of children, the warmth of a hug, the beauty of a sunset, the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As we cultivate a greater awareness of the present moment, as we open our hearts to gratitude, we begin to see the world with new eyes. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, the mundane becomes magical. We discover that the sacred is all around us, waiting to be embraced, to be celebrated, to be lived. And in that discovery, we find a deeper connection to ourselves, to others, and to the mystery that lies at the heart of it all.

Where can you find the sacred in the ordinary moments of your life today? Perhaps it's in the way the sunlight falls on your face, in the taste of your morning coffee, in the smile of a passerby. Look closely, listen deeply, and allow yourself to be surprised by the beauty that surrounds you. For the sacred is waiting to be discovered, not in some distant realm, but right here, in the heart of the everyday.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17