Work Gently#
The most sacred, most ordinary, and most necessary practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God. When we practice the presence, we enjoy and become familiar with God’s divine company, and His gentle speech. In return we speak humbly and look to Him lovingly for support all the time, at every moment, without methods or limits, especially during times of temptation, pain, loneliness, exhaustion, and even disbelief and stumbling.
By our ongoing attention to God, we will break the cycle of harmfulness, weapons fall and righteousness grasped. Our scaffolds are disassembled.
During our work and other activities, even during our reading and writing, no matter how spiritual, we must stop for a brief moment, as often as we can, to love God deep in our heart, to savor Him, even though this is brief and in secret. Since you are aware that God is present before you during your actions, that He is in the deep center of your soul, why not stop your activities and even your vocal prayers to cheer from within.
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) It is the one who mindfully trusts God and 'downs tools', not giving a thought to time lost.
Ultimately, I am saying, however, that it is a common oversight among spiritually minded people not to turn from outside engagements, give time and latitude to worship God within.
This practice begins with a faith that God is truly present in all times and circumstances, and we serve Him in spirit and in truth.
#AUTHOR — Brother Lawrence (1614-91), from the Practice of the Presence
Carmen Acevedo Butcher's modern translation of Brother Lawrence's instruction to “work gently”
NOTE: Today's SoulSnack contains editing from SoulSupply. The link above is the original.