I have a lovely habit; at night in my prayers I touch everyone I have seen that day; I shape my heart like theirs and theirs like mine. — St. Teresa of Avila.
–
I have a lot of habits, but none like St. Teresa, in fact most of mine involve food, drink, and lack of exercise. The others aren’t so hot either, so St. Teresa’s words encourage me to follow her example not only in my prayers, but also in developing some better habits as well.
Teresa reminds us not to just interact with people during our day, but to include them in our thoughts before we go to sleep. She doesn’t leave anyone out either. Imagine, thinking about everyone you encounter in a day and shaping your heart to yours in your evening prayers.
At this time of year before it gets too hot we sit on our porch in the evening shade, and watch as our neighbors stroll by walking their dogs. I sometimes play a game wondering what is on their mind or what there day has been like given their facial expression or pace.
St. Teresa takes my game a step further she thinks positively about each person she encounters. Maybe I should try the same one afternoon. More to the point I need to be more conscious of everyone I encounter — the check out person at the store, the waitress at the restaurant, or the man waiting on the bus as I walk by. I need to bring each into my day with a smile, an acknowledgement, and when appropriate a word of encouragement.
Good habits are well intentioned, but hard to form. But they are never developed unless you begin.
My father had a lovely habit. He walked every evening. He smiled and spoke to each passerby, weather he knew them or not. He always said if they didn’t smile back or say “hello”, it was their fault not his. I try to emulate him.
What a wonderful memory. Wish I could have known him. W.