This week we witnessed the end of an era in American politics.   Senator Edward Kennedy died after a year long battle with brain cancer.  His career was long and distinguished, though not without its low moments.   His personal faultsand failures became the focus for some, however his efforts to improve the quality of life for all Americans were legendary.  His ability to navigate the political maze of partisan politics and his record of passing legislation that garnered the support of even those most ideologically opposed to his core convictions have been well-documented.  What struck me this past week was to learn that not only did Senator Kennedy work through the legislative process to better the lives of others, he gave of himself in tangible ways as well.  Every Tuesday at lunch, he volunteered to read with a Washington DC public school student through the Everybody Wins program.  To many, no doubt, this was small in comparison to the major accomplishments in his life, but to me, it revealed the heart of a man who not only saw the big picture, but realized that it is the small everyday ways we each give of ourselves that can make the most tangible difference in the lives of others.  For the past year, I have been “too busy” to give an hour a week to volunteer as a mentor to a student.  If a United States Senator has one hour a week, I think I can find the time.  What about you?

Lately, I’ve been reading Macrina Wiederkehr’s book, Seven Sacred Pauses.   She offers a model for living mindfully each day through the  ancient practice of fixed hour prayer and invites us to consider ways in which we can all live more mindfully.  One way is to pause at specific times throughout the day to pray,  acknowledging that the work we are doing that day is an act of co-creation with God.  She writes,

“No matter what your work entails – housework, laundry, personal contacts, business meetings, preparing for workshops, yardwork, writing, composing, teaching, cooking, raising children, (fill in your own labor of love) – realize that you are an artist.  In some small way you are continuing the work of creation.  Remember to pause.”  p. 27

Reflecting on her words, I was reminded of the prayer written by the former Secretaty General of the United Nations,  Dag Hammarskjold –  “For all that has been, thanks.  For all that will be, yes.”

What if this or a similar prayer marked specific moments of our days?  What if we all paused each day with the goal of learning to live as “vessels of devotion, containers out of which we pour forth loving service to others”?   What if we all set as our goal to live more mindfully?  What difference would that make in our lives and in our world?