The Spiritual Practice of Cleaning Toilets

On Monday we reflected on the simple spiritual practice of breathing - (click here for a refresher)

On Tuesday we reflected on a simple spiritual practice of going barefoot - (click here for a refresher)

Today we’re looking at the spiritual practice of cleaning toilets (perhaps not one of the highest ranked spiritual practices).

The idea is pretty straightforward: what if you embraced the ordinary tasks of daily living and engaged them with an increased awareness? In his remarkable little book, Practicing the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence wrote about trying to do every menial task with his heart set on God. He wrote

“I flip my little omelet in the frying pan for the love of God” Brother Lawrence, born in 1618.

The idea is to live out the reality that God is always with us, so why not be aware of God’s presence even when cleaning the toilet or washing dishes or paying the bills? It’s the invitation of the scriptures to:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Take a moment and think about your day - what daily, ordinary task are you going to perform today? Set it in your mind to take a moment beforehand to enter into that time with an awareness of God. It doesn’t have to be all relgious, but say a prayer like, “God, help me be aware of you as I clean up after dinner right now.” And then notice what’s going on inside of you. Notice the anxiety. Notice the boredom. Notice the loneliness. And look for the signs of hope and encouragement, too. Lean into the joy. Lean into the gratitude. Lean into the praying.

Afterwards, ask what it was like to go into that task with intentionality and awareness? (and maybe plan on it tomorrow again!)