Ok, so everyone knows the obvious paths to grow closer to God like prayer, the Sacraments, and reading Scripture, but I thought I would offer some other ideas as well. The following are ways to grow closer to God this week on top of those first important things. I tried to really think creatively here. Check out what I came up with and let me know what else you might add:
1.Read Chapter 10 of St. Terese of Lisieux’s Story of a Soul. Amazing book, changed my life when I read it. You can find chapter ten online here. Or the book is definitely almost everywhere you can by a book. I recommend reading this chapter and then write down 3 ways that you can imitate the Little Flower in your daily life.
2.Attempt following Mother Teresa’s Humility List as best you can. Here’s the list. Work on as few or as many as you can this week.
– Speak as little as possible about yourself.
– Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.
– Avoid curiosity.
– Do not interfere in the affairs of others.
– Accept small irritations with good humor.
– Do not dwell on the faults of others.
– Accept censures even if unmerited.
– Give in to the will of others.
– Accept insults and injuries.
– Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.
– Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.
– Do not seek to be admired and loved.
– Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.
– Give in, in discussions, even when you are right.
– Choose always the more difficult task.
3. Donate money to a good charitable organization. I just read that giving alms is a tremendous weapon in our fight against the Enemy. Also, Generosity is a wonderful way to imitate and grow closer to God who Himself is the Most Generous and has given us everything already. Great people to donate to are your church, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities of Atlanta (or your city), Zenith Ministries (we rock!), local food banks, and many many more.
4. Pray with Someone Else, Out Loud. Not only is it good to get out of your comfort zone, but joining someone else in prayer is very beautiful. First of al Jesus tells us that wherever 2 or more are gathered in His Name, He is in our midst. Also, the trust and relationship that is built between the two people praying together is phenomenal. And you grow closer to God together too.
5. Initiate a conversation with a stranger in Public. I know, I know. This goes against everything our mothers have always taught us. However, it’s so easy to go throughout our days viewing the people around us as obstacle to get around, means to make money, servants to deliver to us what we want. We need to remember that these are humans worthy of love and act on this understanding. Having a conversation is the perfect way to do this. And if you look in the Bible, Jesus had conversations with strangers all the time so we can follow His example.
