Finding God in Foxholes
Last week, I devoured Fr. Thomas Dubay’s Prayer Primer, a book that breaks down the who, what, where, when, why, and how of prayer. It rocked my world. As someone who is always seeking to grow deeper in my prayer life, I took so much from this book for “beginners” (but who isn’t a beginner when it comes to prayer, the potential for growth is mammoth!).
One of the lines that caught my particular attention was in an early chapter: “There are no atheists in foxholes.” Fr. Dubay is insinuating here that anyone who is nestled in a foxhole, on a battlefield with abundant time alone with their thoughts, is going to be actively seeking God. This makes sense.
Today, we have the opposite situation. Many of us are living nonstop, noisy lives. Our schedules are packed and our lives are planned down to the minute. Unlike the soldier in the foxhole, who is acutely aware of the smallness of their life and the present dangers all around them, we can be blissfully unaware of the very gift that today is or that we are not promised tomorrow. We can live days, weeks, months, and years without so much as a glance upward to the heavens because our necks are craned downwards at the TikToks on our phones.
I’m not saying we all need to live lives of profound silence (although I’m a huge proponent of silent retreats and “desert days”), but I do think that in order to let God speak into our lives, we need to allow the space for Him to be heard. Sometimes that space is thrust upon us – we experience a tragedy, a disappointment, or a reminder of past hurt. Someone cancels on us and we are left without plans for the evening, which brings up wounds of rejection. Our headphones die on a flight or the subway and we are forced to sit in silence for the rest of the trip.
But chosen, intentional silence is key to cultivating an interior life – a life that becomes the anchor in our storms and the joy in our uncertainty. Taking 30 minutes first thing in the morning to pray Morning Prayer, read Jesus Calling, or reflect on the readings of the day pours out countless graces that uphold us when something inevitably goes sideways.
As we enter into the end of summer, I invite us all to consider how we are embracing silence in our lives. Are there places or areas in your life that would benefit from silence? Maybe you commit to keeping your earbuds out when walking down the street, to listen to the birds and the sounds all around you and chat a little with the Lord. Maybe it’s cooking or running or doing errands without music or podcasts. Maybe it’s signing up for a silent retreat or a recollection to spend some time in intentional prayer.
The Lord loves you and wants you to receive His love. He is constantly knocking at the door of our hearts – will you open it today?
In Christ,
Jane
What we’re loving lately:
Podcast Episode 83: Joy with Madeleine Stoll | Fruit of the Spirit Series
- This was such a beautiful conversation with one of the most genuinely joyful people I have ever met, my dear friend Mad! We talk a lot about how the world defines joy, our own struggles to pursue and live joy in the midst of our own unique desires and suffering, and so much more. Tune in here on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
Clear the decks! with Gretchen Rubin
- This week on the Happier Podcast, Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft offered a list of 24 things to do to get ready for the “other new year” aka September! As I listened to the podcast, I paused it and did each of the tasks immediately and wow, I felt so accomplished! You can find the list and listen to the podcast here!
Send intentions for Our Lady of Guadalupe!
- My mom and I are headed to Mexico City this weekend for our two favorite ladies: Mary and Taylor Swift! Please pray for our safe travel AND please hit reply here to share any intentions you’d like us to bring with us!!
My cozy new house 🙂
- I spent all of last week moving into my new house! Very exciting. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s been happening… Two words: exposed brick!!
Prayer Requests
- For a special intention
- For my mom and I as we travel to Mexico City this weekend!
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Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.