Navigating parenthood often feels like a beautiful whirlwind, yet it can sometimes leave you feeling disconnected from your spiritual core. If you’re like many parents, the spiritual practices that once nourished you might seem to have faded into the background amidst the joyful chaos of raising children. Perhaps practices like daily prayer, meditation, or quiet Bible study have become less frequent as the demands of family life have grown. You’re not alone in this experience. Many parents find their spiritual routines shifting as they dedicate their time and energy to their families. This guide is designed to offer support and practical insights for parents seeking to cultivate spiritual nourishment within the reality of their busy lives, recognizing that connection with the divine can be found even in the most ordinary moments of parenthood.
It’s common to have explored various spiritual practices over time, with some seasons feeling more conducive to certain disciplines than others. Traditional practices such as prayer, meditation, engaging with scripture individually or within a community, journaling reflections, reading spiritual texts, attending church services, and reciting meaningful passages or prayers learned by heart are all valuable tools. These practices are most effective when approached with consistency, much like physical exercise is essential for maintaining bodily health. Sporadic engagement yields limited benefits, whereas regular practice fosters spiritual growth and inner transformation.
Personally, I have always valued consistent spiritual practices. I’ve previously shared my thoughts on the importance of regular spiritual habits and the insightful practice of journaling for self-discovery. Beyond daily routines, I also made it a practice for many years to attend week-long retreats at monasteries or convents. While these extended periods of solitude might not appeal to everyone, I found them incredibly restful and rejuvenating. Stepping away from daily responsibilities and immersing myself in a sense of divine presence felt more enriching than any luxurious vacation.
Writer and pastor Lydia Sohn
Finding God in the Midst of a Hectic Day
Parenthood, particularly with young children, undeniably shifts priorities and time availability. The reality is that becoming a parent often means that routines, even cherished spiritual practices, are disrupted. Just as finding time for a peaceful morning coffee can become a challenge, so too can dedicated time for spiritual solitude. Parents of young children understand this intimately. Children, while being incredible blessings, are also significant demands on time and energy.
The challenges were amplified during the pandemic when the support systems that families relied upon were significantly reduced or eliminated. Schools, family support, community spaces, and even simple opportunities for respite disappeared. Finding a moment for personal prayer felt almost impossible, with essential needs like showering sometimes taking precedence. During this period of heightened chaos, a sense of spiritual distance can be common. This experience led me to reflect deeply on past meaningful spiritual encounters, seeking ways to rediscover those connections within my new reality. Looking back, it became apparent that those profound moments of connection often occurred when I was alone and had extended periods of uninterrupted time – a rare commodity for parents of young children.
Everyday Spirituality: God in the Ordinary
Initially, the shift in spiritual practice was disheartening. However, a turning point arrived unexpectedly. While leading a group through an exercise inspired by St. Ignatius’ Daily Examen, focusing on recognizing the sacred in daily life, I had a profound realization. As participants, including myself, reflected on moments where we felt a sense of the sacred, my own memories were surprisingly filled with moments spent with my children. These weren’t grand, spiritual mountaintop experiences, but rather simple, everyday activities that, in the moment, felt quite ordinary – stacking blocks, playing with toy cars, the typical activities of early childhood. During this reflection, however, I recognized these moments as my new points of connection with the divine.
God hadn’t disappeared; God was present in these unexpected moments. Divine connection was still nourishing and present, just manifesting in a different form than the solitary retreats I was accustomed to. This realization shifted my perspective, dispelling the feeling that I was somehow less spiritual as a parent than I had been before children, when solitude was readily available. This understanding aligns with the theological concept of the sacramentality of everyday life. God’s presence isn’t confined to designated spiritual retreats but is revealed in the mundane, the routine – peeling vegetables, responding to emails, and yes, even playing blocks with a toddler. This echoes Jesus’s invitation, “Let the children come to me,” recognizing the inherent holiness and significance of children, equal to any other form of spiritual encounter.
As life returns to a more predictable rhythm, and as my family navigates a post-pandemic world, I have been able to reintegrate some of my personal spiritual practices, like morning centering prayer. However, I approach these with flexibility and self-compassion, acknowledging that some days will be more demanding than others. When my son wakes up early and joins me mid-prayer, instead of frustration, I embrace the moment, holding him close and continuing my prayer, filled with gratitude for his presence in my life.
For every parent, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey – whether you’re deeply rooted in faith, exploring spirituality outside of traditional religion, or simply seeking connection amidst the demands of parenting – remember these points:
- God’s presence is constant, regardless of the time you can dedicate to formal spiritual practices.
- If time allows, prioritize two key practices: First, engage with a spiritual community regularly for mutual support and encouragement. Community can sustain us when our individual energy wanes. Second, choose a personal spiritual practice to engage with consistently, starting small and building from there. Practices like centering prayer, the Daily Examen, or Lectio Divina Bible study are excellent options. And when interruptions happen, especially from your children, embrace those moments as equally valuable spiritual practices, filled with their own unique blessings.
