Every morning I am greeted with an enthusiastic and encouraging exclamation. It ranges from "You rock, MK!" to "Ready MK?" and numerous other greetings. Despite the fact that the greeting comes from an inanimate object, I am usually delighted. Even encouraged.
But that's not where it ends. At the end of the day, the message is a little more sobering. The message at the end of the day is a brutally honest accounting of my physical activity for the day. No sugar coating if I've spent most of the day sitting at my desk.
I love my Fitbit. But I'm not writing to convince you to buy another gadget. What occurs to me is this is the perfect model for spiritual growth. Starting the day with an affirmation of your worth and ending the day with an honest accounting and renewed commitment.
To do this we don't really need anything but our intention. A little discipline, I suppose. And ritual always helps. Some signal that is inescapable. For instance, it could be the first drink of water in the morning. Or the water splashed on your face. Something that is a regular part of your morning routine that will remind you. And with the first sip, or splash, a little mantra: "Good morning. Today is a gift. And I have a gift to bring to the day."
Likewise in the evening, having a signal to remind you helps. And a mantra. "I have done my best today. In this way I hope to do even better tomorrow."
I said we don't need anything but our intention. For me, though, being in religious community helps me remain faithful to my intention. The religious community that assures me that I have gifts to bring to each day. And that challenges me to do better. And forgives me when I fall short. And greets me anew every time we gather - reminding me that my growth is a journey. That even when I falter, there is something to learn.
"Smooches, MK." That's what my Fitbit said to me this morning. And smooches to all of you. May there be assurances and challenges for you each day.
Yours,
Mary Katherine
