The Practice of the Presence of God

Many years ago I read a little book by a 17th Century monk named Brother Lawrence called "The Practice of the Presence of God". I've read it a few times since then; it's brief (my favorite kind), quick and an excellent read. Brother Lawrence first served in the monastery kitchen washing pots and pans. He disdained his duties in the beginning, but over time decided that if this is where the Lord wanted him to be then he was going to wash dishes as if he were doing it for the Lord's table. After being confined to this role for quite some time, he came to the conclusion that washing dishes could be just as God honoring as any other work, whether missional or otherwise. God was God wherever Brother Lawrence was, even in the kitchen, so he prayed, "Lord of the pots and pans and things, make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the dishes." The entire theme of the book is that nothing is too mundane to be considered a gift to God.

Sometimes in the midst of everyday life, the monotony and the customary, we question whether our service counts for anything. Even the highest of highs has a way drifting downward to a point of resonance that starts to feel dull and routine. Nonetheless, the working out of life must go on remembering that all of life can be an act of worship, regardless of what you're doing. It's not what, but the heart into what that has significance. And we must draw ourselves back to that heart to remember that the what does indeed count.

The excitement and pangs of adopting, much like childbirth (although I do not write from personal experience mind you) run their course and are soon "yesterday's news" amidst the demands of everyday life. However, remembering the heart behind the what we're doing gives great comfort and hope for a lasting significance into tomorrow. This image of Poppy and Willow washing dishes the other day was a gift from God that helped me recall that there's nothing too mundane in raising these two little ones (or all five of our children for that matter) that isn't a gift from and to God. I thank Him for this image and beautiful reminder that I need so often.

Trying to practice,

Tom