“Everyday Spiritual Practices” (ed. Scott Alexander) changed how I looked at all the various activities I undertook, but most profoundly service on boards and committees, especially at church.

The book is a wonderful compilation of examining our lives by engaging our mind (through contemplation), our body (through activity and nourishment), our hearts (through relationships), our will (through right action) and our soul (through creativity).

This together with a sermon writing class (given by my minister at the time), challenged my actions, thoughts, body, relationships, and soul. Through intentionality, Rev. Alexander asserts, our actions become a spiritual practice.

I used to view board service, or committee work, or even church related tasks, as “something I’m doing to help”. But not any longer. Now, I view anything I have given my will to do, I do with right actions, right intentions.

I realize this is not earth-shattering, or life-changing, but is very much life-affirming!!