Brother Lawrence entered the monastery as a layman. He worked in the kitchens and as a cobbler there for the remainder of his life. Lawrence is known for his devotion and ability to bring God into every aspect of his life. His classic Christian work, Practice of the Presence of God, details how to gain that constant and comforting connection to God. He rejoiced in everyday tasks, prayed constantly, and was known around the monastery for his kindness and willingness to help others.

Reading this book helped me to gain a better understanding of what it means to constantly be in God’s presence.

In the midst of the world today with all its noise and information coming at me at every moment, I’ve been trying to find a way to carve out some quiet. I’ve made a couple of minor changes in routine which have been helpful with this. During the drive to and from work I don’t turn on the radio; I just enjoy the silence. If I have to wait at the dentist’s office, rather than picking up a magazine, I simply sit and wait. When I’m out walking, I leave the headphones at home and just listen to the birds, the wind and sometimes the soft murmurs of families playing together or the distant hum of an airplane high overhead. More often than not, during these quiet times I find myself praying or even listening for what God has to say to me.

In the midst of the world today with all its noise and information coming at me at every moment, I’ve been trying to find a way to carve out some quiet.

Sometimes it’s impossible to find even a moment of peace in a busy day. At those times I am reminded of the song, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”