Holy Habits
Dear Cathedral,
Even though the world is beginning to open up, we still find our lives curtailed drastically due to this pandemic. Suicide rates are skyrocketing in this country. Depression and anxiety are rampant. How can we remain spiritually and psychologically strong in this time of increased isolation? I believe that we must develop or expand upon holy habits. These holy habits will keep us well.
What is a holy habit? It is anything that you do on a regular basis that creates a framework for you to draw closer to God. Holy habits draw us away from self-centeredness and into relationship. In other words, if you want to be holy and if you want to be well, start walking the walk. Act like you love God, and you will come to love God. Strange isn’t it? We must act well and healthy and faithfully and in turn, we become so.
Here are a few examples of holy habits.
- Go for a walk outside every day and give thanks for something that you see that is beautiful.
- Watch my morning prayer devotion every day or attend Lewis Hunt’s Compline service on Facebook at 8 p.m.
- Set up a sacred place in your home or apartment, and go there daily to be with God. Read there, sit in silence, look at a painting…anything, so long as it is devoted to God.
- When you go to the grocery store, pick up one extra bag for the hungry and deliver it to the Cathedral for the St. Mary’s food pantry. If you can’t afford this, just buy a few two for ones and give the free one away.
- Look at your budget and income, and see if you can give sacrificially during the pandemic to help the church and other non-profits survive and thrive.
- Before you eat, simply say "Thank you."
- Reach out to one person a day. Listen, write a card, make a phone call, send a gift…
- Pray for the world, for peace, racial justice, reconciliation, and an end to the pandemic.
If you are feeling lonely or depressed, seek help. But also work to develop these and other holy habits. Worrying about yourself or your situation won’t get you anywhere. Take action. Take a few steps towards God. See where those steps take you.
May God bless you abundantly.
In Christ’s love,
Kate+
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