Last Sunday we talked about Brother Lawrence who lived in the 1600’s in France. He felt God calling him to be a monk. He imagined himself involved in spiritual activities that would deepen his relationship with God. He didn’t imagine himself sorting and cleaning raisins in the kitchen day after day. But that’s where he found himself, doing one of the most menial and boring tasks. In his later years, he became a repairer of sandals. It was in these everyday tasks, he discovered God. To some he is known as ‘the Kitchen Saint.’ He learned to pray in every task, to see God in every task. Those around him were inspired by the profound peace that surrounded him no matter what he was doing. Later, the inspiring letters he wrote to friends and colleagues were collected into a book called, “Practicing the Presence of God.”
It is good advice for each of us. It is all about looking for God in every moment, talking to God and seeking God’s peace no matter what we are doing. Every moment can be a holy moment. Every task can be a holy task when we invite God into what we are doing - whether it is changing a diaper, mowing the lawn, chopping onions for supper, packing a school lunch or going to work each day.
This is something we can do and something we can teach our children. It reminds us not to take any moment for granted. It creates moments of His presence throughout the day.
Chopping that onion – isn’t it amazing how it is created in layers, and how does it make us cry? Your prayer might be WOW, God! Changing the diaper and dealing with a sick child when you’re tired and feeling sick yourself. Your prayer might be HELP, God! Heading to work - what amazing opportunities let Christ be seen in us. Your prayer might be WISDOM, God!
This is something easy to do with your children. As you see the geese flying over in the fall or the robin in the spring, pause for a moment, point it out and then say, “Thanks, God!” In the park, at the mall you notice someone sitting on the bench, looking quite sad, smile at them, and then as you turn back to what you were doing say, “Bless, God!” Model it for your children. Practice the presence of God.
It is not the length of our prayers that makes the difference, but the fact that we take time to pause, reflect and see God in our day. Practicing the presence of God helps us when we start feeling entitled or overwhelmed or worried or lonely. Let’s practice the presence of God every day, throughout the day.