Ora et Labora

I read a line in a book last night attributed to St. Benedict that went something like, the keeper of the pots and pans should regard them as "sacred vessels of the altar." In other words, there is holiness in the everyday things we do in life.

I couldn't help but think of my wife, Julie. She is a Benedictine for sure. Selfless, she takes joy in serving others regardless of the task or effort. Her motive is to please God. Nothing trivial about her life.

If I know people are coming over to the house, I order pizza. If Julie knows people are coming over to the house, she takes out a 1/2 dozen pots, stick something in the oven and lights the grill. She doesn't want to eat with people, she wants to feed them.

Growing up she learned to cook for a family of 7; she's always thinking large portions. I've even seen her perform the miracle of the fishes and the loaves where we'll only have $50 in the checking account, and yet, she comes home with $150 worth of groceries to feed the masses. Hey, who is more important, our friends or the bank?

Thank you Benedict and Julie for showing us the way - orea et labora - pray and work.