~ by Kaka Lucas, 3rd May 2022

As I enjoy my retreat, I cannot ignore the urge to write. Second day and I have written at least five articles. It’s amazing feeling being away from my room, my comfortable sofa in the rectory. I miss my companion in the rectory and our beloved cook, but above all I miss the ordinary activity that take place in the house. From the call to have breakfast, the laughter while having meals, U-shi our house dog and most jealousy two “girls” dogs that are always highreee.

While strolling around the building I sat down to reflect on Matthew Kelly writing book “Life is Messy”. He clearly states ….. “Allow the ordinary to heal you” ….. “Learn to cherish the ordinary.”
“Make a list of twenty ordinary things that bring you joy when you experience them
consciously”

With this I had to take a pause and reflect many things I take for granted including the movements of the Spirit in ordinary occasions.

This is how I could list my ordinary things that bring joy…..

1. Having a mug of Starbucks coffee with a friend.
2. Jamaican blue sea, and calm flowing rivers
3. Walking in the bush, since we Jamaicans are known to have beautiful rainforest
4. Reading bring me joy
5. And helping young people makes me feel accomplished
6. Nice, honest, intentional and loving hugs
7. Taking a book and write what is in my head or typing a blog
8. Planning on projects and events
9. Sleeping is fun, if you don’t know ask me how
10. If I love water definitely I love swimming even though I play with water in the shower only
11. Listening can be amazing, especially having conversations with elderly or young ones
12. I am both introvert and extrovert, so as much as I love being around you, I love it when I am alone.
13. Being in retreat, I enjoy the silence…. I know you cannot believe since I chat too much
14. Calling my family and cracking jokes over good memories is fun
15. Beautiful artwork
16. Taking photos
17. Walking alone
18. Baking or cooking makes me feel sweet
19. Traveling
20. Watching educative series/real life stories

This is my list, lets what you have ……..