Betsy Singleton: Living in Community at Home
“You never get it all done.”
—Betsy Singleton Snyder in Stepping on Cheerios: Finding God in the Chaos and Clutter of Life (Abingdon Press, 2017).
Snyder, a Methodist minister and mother of four boys (including triplets)—who was at the time the wife of a member of Congress—wrote in her book about what it is like to stay connected to God in the midst of daily chaos. Some of Snyder’s best suggestions for families in Stepping on Cheerios are to “take sorta kinda breaks,” “have family movie night as a spiritual practice,” “be just yourself and nothing else,” “nurture something with your kids,” “do less comparing,” and “stop more.” “God made bossy moms” and “everyone screws up” are two other examples of her wisdom that resonated with me.
One of the parts of Snyder’s book I treasured is having what she calls “the Squad.” This is an extensive list and description of people who helped her out, especially after she had a serious medical complication in her pregnancy. They also came through when her husband, Victor, was in Washington or meeting with his constituents at home.
Snyder and her family are a beautiful example of what living in community is like. Not all of us will have triplets, but all will at some time need the support and love of a community such as Snyder found. It makes all the difference when we are able to receive help—until we can again help others. We become more open to seeing the love of Christ in our neighbor who reaches out to us. We, in turn, learn from our neighbor more about the Christ in ourselves who guides us to that sacred place of gratitude.
This is a major theme of Snyder’s book. She sees lessons in a multitude of situations presented to her, and always moves out of them with gratitude. Gratitude for those who help her, gratitude for lessons she has learned, gratitude for the love of God shown to her family by so many. Her last chapter is titled, “My Cup Runneth Over,” as she thanks so many for making her dreams come true.
Rebecca Spooner is leading a morning retreat about the Enneagram at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Saturday February 29th from 9 to 1. The Cost is $15. Sign up on St. Mark’s website lovesaintmarks.org. Go to What’s on, then Events.
joanna . joannaseibert.com