Notes from the Hours: An Intercession

One of the intercessions from this morning's Liturgy of the Hours encourages us to pray as follows: 

Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, but above all in the ordinary events of daily life. 

Most of us tend to feel pretty good about ourselves when we show love in some big way. Perhaps we do a major favor for someone or give a substantial amount of money or time to a charity. These are wonderful acts of love, but this intercession reminds us that there is more to love than the big things. 

How about the genuine smile we give to the grumpy check-out clerk at the grocery store?

How about the harsh words or complaints we bite back and don't say?

How about the door we hold open for someone who has his or her hands full?

How about the attention we give to someone even when we're busy with something else?

How about the effort we make to do a little extra around the house so other family members can relax?

How about the kind words we speak even when we wouldn't have to?

How about the pleasant expression we put on our faces even when we feel anything but pleasant?

How about the times we bow to another's wishes rather than insisting on our own way?

How about the prayers we say for the people who need them? 

When we do these kinds of things (and the possibilities are endless), we are indeed loving in the ordinary events of daily life. They may not seem like much, but they can make a huge difference, perhaps even an eternal difference. 

Lord, give us Your Holy Spirit that we may love in the ordinary events of daily life. Amen.