Welcome to the Restoration Home Podcast! I'm Jennifer Pepito. Today, I'm thrilled to share a conversation with Tsh Oxenreider, a celebrated author and course creator whose work has significantly influenced my life. Her insights on family travel, spirituality, and creating a Rule of Life have resonated with many.
Discovering Tsh Oxenreider
I was first introduced to Tsh's work through her book, At Home in the World. The book beautifully chronicles her family's journey through multiple countries, and her writing inspired my travels across Europe and Africa. Recently, I took her Rule of Life Course. This transformative experience profoundly impacted me, especially while writing about the Rule of St. Benedict. You can find Tsh's incredible resources at [tshoxenreider.com](https://tshoxenreider.com).
The Rule of Life: A Foundation for Peace and Stability
Over the past two years, our podcast has explored the Rule of St. Benedict, focusing on values such as prayer, stewardship, work, order, simplicity, stability, hospitality, community, and balance. In my new book, "Habits for a Sacred Home," I connect these values to the lives of notable Christian women from the past century. As mothers, having a Rule of Life can bring immense peace and stability.
I asked Tsh about her journey in creating her own Rule of Life. She shared that her inspiration began during a family trip, where she recognized the need for inner direction amidst their travels. After meeting with a spiritual director and attending a silent retreat, Tsh began to unpack her core values, laying the foundation for her Rule of Life.
From Travel to Spiritual Formation
Tsh's process began as a personal exploration. It later developed into a structured framework inspired by the Rule of St. Benedict. She emphasized the importance of identifying core values and aligning all aspects of life with those values. Initially, her approach was more general but gradually embraced its inherently Christian nature.
Her Rule of Life has been shared with many and continues to evolve. The latest version centres on the central motivation of striving to be more like Jesus, with virtue as the ultimate earthly goal. Tsh's insights remind us that our purpose is to grow in virtue and continuously say yes to God.
Virtue in Everyday Life
For Tsh, practising virtue means ordering our love rightly. Drawing from St. Augustine's definition, she emphasizes that our desires need not be curbed but instead rightly ordered. This approach allows for a creative and freeing pursuit of virtue, whether waiting in line at Costco or travelling to holy sites.
A Rule of Life provides a sturdy framework for parenting, education, and daily living. Tsh believes it's crucial for parents to educate their children in the faith and to see their homes as domestic monasteries where prayer, work, and community life are practised.
Embracing Stability and Creativity
Tsh's Rule of Life, inspired by Benedictine traditions, categorizes practices into prayer, work, study, hospitality, and renewal. This structure allows for creativity within a stable framework. For example, hospitality might mean hosting dinners, serving in the community, or participating in church life.
She stresses that a Rule of Life offers clear definitions and a sense of stability, helping parents confidently guide their children. It also encourages humility and forgiveness, essential aspects of spiritual growth.
Modelling Virtue for Our Children
Tsh's decision to leave social media is a powerful example of living out her values. She recognized the importance of setting an example for her children by living a life free from social media distractions. Her strong belief led her to prioritize her role as a wife and mother over her online presence.
Conclusion
I deeply admire Tsh Oxenreider for her wisdom and how she lives out her values. Her Rule of Life Course is a fantastic resource for families seeking to create their own Rule of Life. For more information and to explore Tsh's work, visit [tshoxenreider.com](https://tshoxenreider.com).
Thank you for joining us today. If you want peace and stability in your home, consider exploring the Rule of Life and incorporating these timeless practices into your daily life.
For more episodes, check out the Restoration Home Podcast