Sometimes I need little reminders throughout the day that everything is going to be ok. How about you? What do you need to be reminded of each day?
I find that I need spiritual reminders each day to turn a worrisome thought into a faith-filled one. I need spiritual reminders to stop the mental chatter in my head and remind me of the present moment. Sometimes I need subtle, yet powerful, reminders to help me remember what’s really important in life. I also need them to remind me of what’s not important so that I can set those thoughts free.
I’m talking about spiritual reminders of faith, hope, and encouragement which I find I need now more than ever before.
It’s All About the Message
One of the things I love most are pictures, images, or words of faith and inspiration. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in many places. Some are pictures, other are sacramentals (like a crucifix or rosary), and some are words. You can find them in religious good stores, home decor shops, or even online.
I find myself drawn to these reminders wherever I go — whether I’m out shopping or just surfing the web. In fact, over the past year, I’ve collected several and displayed them throughout my home in places where I know they will catch my eye — such as next to the bathroom mirror, on the wall next to my bed, and on the mantle in our family room.
What’s my fascination with these spiritual reminders? It’s all about the message. They’re not just words or images used to decorate my home. On the contrary. They are much more. These reminders convey a beautiful message of love, hope, and encouragement that I need every day. In short, they calm my mind, clarify my focus, and bring me peace.
A Reminder to Think Thoughts from Above
The bible tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think about things from above …
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Since I’m spending all of my time at home right now, it’s important for me to fill my mind with these type of thoughts. I know how easy it is for my mind to wander down the wrong path. These reminders keep me focused on God’s thoughts and not on my own.
Starting the Day off Right
I don’t know about you, but when I wake up in the morning, my mind is raring to go. I have many thoughts ranging from what I’m going to do for the day to concerns carried over from day before. For this reason, I placed this reminder right next to my bed:
Padre Pio bore the stigmata – the nail wounds of Christ – on his body for fifty years. He spent much of his life in prayer despite his suffering. And, he often counseled people to “pray, hope, and don’t worry.” I can’t think of a better reminder to start my day.
A Reminder to Stay in the Present Moment
This is another reminder I see shortly after getting out of bed. I first saw this plaque in a Christian store that sells clothing and other items. It’s one of my daughter’s favorite stores to visit and mine too. While she scours the clothing racks for the latest finds, I go in search of all the plaques, books, devotionals, and messages of faith displayed throughout the store.
This plaque spoke to me as it’s a daily reminder to be content right where I am.
When You Need a Little Faith
Never underestimate the power of faith. When I see the word ‘faith’ as displayed on the figure shown above, it reminds where my focus needs to be throughout the day. That is to say that my faith needs to be bigger than anything I’m facing including my fears or concerns. Exercising faith can be a tall order to follow. But I need this daily reminder of how important faith is in my life.
Remember Who’s in Control
Remember that Christian store in the mall I was just telling you about? Well, here’s another spiritual reminder I found there.
I must give a shout out to my husband who has patiently waited for me and my daughter many times as we browse through this store. These words caught his eye and mine at about the same time. While he’s not one to make a quick sale, this was an exception. Before, I knew it, the plaque was mine! Somehow it seemed fitting to display this, front and center, in our family room on our mantle. It’s a visual reminder to me every day that no matter how much uncertainty I’m facing, God has a plan. And often times, his plan is much better than my own.
A Reminder to be Compassionate
My most recent find is a reminder of God’s unending love and compassion. It’s the image of Divine Mercy depicting blood and water gushing forth from the heart of Jesus. This is the image Jesus himself gave to St. Faustina. He wanted this image to be a reminder to sinners of his infinite love and mercy which he freely gives to all who come to him.
During the pandemic, we, like many Catholics, placed an image of the Divine Mercy on our front door as protection against the coronavirus. But, I wanted to have a framed image to display inside our home too.
Not only does this message speak of Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness, but it reminds me of one of the most powerful affirmations I can declare throughout the day – Jesus I trust in You!
What Do You Need to be Reminded of Each Day?
At a time when our world is filled with fear and doubt, it’s important now more than ever before to think about what you’re thinking about.
What are you hearing or seeing throughout the day and how do those things affect you?
What do you need to be reminded of each day?
With all of us spending the majority of our time at home now, it’s good to fill our homes (and our minds) with images of faith, hope, and inspiration during this time. Let’s make our homes a place for focusing on the things of above.
Reminders on the Go
And, don’t forget that in today’s tech savvy world, we can take these reminders with us wherever we go. For example, sometimes I download spiritual wallpapers for my cell phone with uplifting messages or with my favorite scripture passages. I also downloaded a few apps to pray the rosary, say a novena, or do a short Christian meditation on the go.
Did you know that you can have daily devotionals emailed to you filling your mind with good thoughts and images as you start your day? I have several of these delivered to my inbox each day. They are the perfect tools for when I need an encouraging word or need to practice patience such as when I’m waiting in the doctor’s office or standing in line at the grocery store.
I know that I need these spiritual reminders to keep my mind on the right path. Maybe you do too. Every time I look at them and really think about the message they offer, I can feel a glimmer of God’s peace reigning in my heart, in my mind, and in my home.
What spiritual reminders do you have in your home? Please share in the comments section below.
With this staying at home, it seems we have a tendency to get in a rut. I have many religious reminders in my home from pictures, and much reading material. I can watch the Mass on EWTN in the morning followed by the Holy Rosary. It is sad not to be able to receive the Eucharist in person. We must keep our faith and focus on our loved ones. Continue to read and pray for all those who are affected by this virus. We are where we are meant to be. Give praise.
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I agree!