Over the course of the weekend a lady snapped a photo of a recognizable actor (for those whom certainly grew up in the 80’s) that was bagging groceries at the local Trader Joe’s. For whichever reason & through some method she distributed her snuck photo and thus sparked a story that bordered on job-shaming. If you wish, you can look up those stories. I wish to focus on the virtue and life lesson.
Brother Geoffrey, who I am now calling him, went onto Good Morning America to talk about this most recent attention grabbing situation in his life. In it he states (Transcript from TIME article):
The incident, Owens said, shed light on “what it means to work” and the “dignity” of it. “There is no job that is better than another job. It might pay better, it might have better benefits, it might look better on a resume and on paper,” Owens, who wore his Trader Joe’s name badge during the interview, said. “But actually, it’s not better. Every job is worthwhile and valuable, and if we have a rethinking about that because of what has happened to me, that would be great.”
This brought back to me the essence of Brother Lawrence.
Prehaps you do not know who Brother Lawrence is. Brother Lawrence was a 17th century monk, who lived in a monastery in Paris France. He was not the Abbot, Guestmaster, priest, or other high status position of the monastery. Brother Lawrence was the dish washer. His vocational work within the monastery was that of dish washer. Everyday.
Yet, Brother Lawrence was one of, if not THE, most saught after monk within the monastery for spiritual advice and spiritual companionship. Brother Lawrence was so wise and impacting that a collection of interviews and letters he had with a particular seeker was compiled into a little book called, “The Practice of the Presence of God”. This book with its wisdom and care has never gone out of print in its 400 year history. Today “The Practice of the Presence of God” is considered by many a spiritual classic.
In this collection of interviews/conversations and letters Brother Lawrence shares that God is in the midst of all our work and all our works can be glorifying to God, should we give and work with love as God loves. In our work is where we daily, without ceasing, commune & pray with God. In this presence we come to know God and ourselves more.
Thank you Brother Geoffrey for reminding me again of the place and presence of our work. The value of human connection and the sacredness of all. Thank you for reminding me again of my mystic friend in Brother Lawrence.
I close this with this prayer which is contributed to Brother Lawrence:
Lord of all pots and pans and things..
Make me a saint by getting meals
And washing up the plates!
-Amen
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