Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life

by Tish Harrison Warren

But there is also the more subtle quest for a suitably “radical” life, a life of conspicuous sacrifice and service—a life that seems obviously set apart for something more than the mundane and (so we start to think) unimportant life. In this version of the ancient error, nonprofit work is more spiritual than for-profit work; urban neighborhoods are more spiritual than suburban ones; bicycles are more spiritual than minivans.

As Christians, we wake each morning as those who are baptized. We are united with Christ and the approval of the Father is spoken over us. We are marked from our first waking moment by an identity that is given to us by grace: an identity that is deeper and more real than any other identity we will don that day.

I am not primarily defined by my abilities or marital status or how I vote or my successes or failures or fame or obscurity, but as one who is sealed in the Holy Spirit, hidden in Christ, and beloved by the Father.

Email makes me feel like I am a failure who can’t get her life together. Yet emailing is a holy task. Part of my sanctification and part of the world’s redemption is for me to learn to do my work well—or at least better than I currently do it.

Litigation