As we approach the feast of St Thérèse of Lisieux (October 1), what can we learn from her? How can we, in our own way, imitate the path of holiness she made for us? Thérèse found God in the simple, everyday tasks that fill our lives – what she called her “little way” of spiritual childhood. Her approach can transform our mundane reality of daily chores into opportunities for spiritual growth. This “little way” rests on a most wonderful truth: God’s love is found not in dramatic spiritual achievements but in how faithfully you complete small duties with great love. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity – we can practice it right where we are, regardless of our circumstances or spiritual experience.
Here are ten ways by which we can implement the “little way” into our daily life.
- Begin the day by offering the day’s work to God, following Thérèse’s example of presenting even the smallest tasks as gifts of love. Before starting any chore, take a moment to breathe deeply and set an intention. This might be as simple as saying, “I offer this work for the good of my family and the glory of God.”
- Instead of viewing household tasks as interruptions to spiritual life, embrace them as prayer in action. When we are washing dishes, for example, think of each plate and cup as representing someone in our life, offering a prayer for them as we clean. This simple reframing transforms a routine task into an act of intercession and love. Similarly, while doing laundry, practice gratitude for each family member whose clothes we handle. Offer a blessing or express appreciation for their presence in our life.
- Thérèse spoke of seeking out the most disagreeable tasks as treasures, for they offered the greatest opportunity for love. Identify the one chore you are actively avoiding. Perhaps it’s cleaning the oven, organising that cluttered closet, or tackling a tedious administrative task. Instead of putting it off, decide to do it as your next act of love.
- During cleaning tasks, practice what Thérèse called “little acts of love”; that is, brief, heartfelt prayers or expressions of devotion offered throughout the activity. While vacuuming, you might pray for peace in your home. While organising items, you could express gratitude for your possessions and pledge to be a good steward of what you’ve been given.
- Transform cooking into an act of nourishment that extends beyond the physical. As you prepare meals, hold in your heart those who will receive this food. Consider each ingredient as a gift from creation and let the process become an offering of hospitality and care. Thérèse often spoke of doing everything with love; cooking provides countless opportunities to literally serve love on a plate.
- Chores often send our minds everywhere but the present moment. Choose one routine chore therefore, and commit to doing it with your full attention. Feel the textures, notice the patterns, be present in the movements. Let the repetitive motion become a way to quiet the mind’s chatter and become aware of the sacredness of the present moment.
- The little way doesn’t promise that chores will become effortless or enjoyable but teaches us how to approach difficulties with patience and love. When faced with a particularly tedious or frustrating task, try to embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth, for practicing surrender and trust.
- When interrupted while working, instead of experiencing irritation, try to see the interruption as God’s invitation to practice flexibility and love. Thérèse learned to find joy in these unexpected moments, viewing them as divine appointments rather than inconveniences.
- Thérèse delighted in acts that would never be seen or praised. She would quietly wipe up spills she didn’t make and never claim credit. Find one small task you can do today that no one will notice. Straighten a coworker’s messy desk after hours, put away a stray shopping cart in a parking lot, or clean the coffee splatters off the counter without announcing it, finding joy rather in the secret offering.
- The “little way” extends naturally into how we interact with others during shared household responsibilities. Practice patience with family members who have different cleaning standards or timelines. Offer help without being asked, and receive assistance graciously when offered.