The Rule of St. Benedict revolves around five practices: Prayer, Work, Study, Hospitality, and Renewal. Prayer is the foundation to the monastic life and calling, and can be a constant part of the life of non-monastics as well. St. Benedict talks about how our work can be an encounter with the sacred, sanctifying us, providing dignity, and a sense of well-being along with earning a decent wage.
Because I am an achiever personality type, I always need to watch my motives around work. It is very easy for me to do too much at work in order to be seen as the expert or find my value. It is also easy for me to justify “I have to work” and compromise my self-care and other activities that keep me being my best self.
I recently read a quote from Fr. Francis Fernandez from his book Conversation with God that I needed to hear:
Work should not take up so much of our day that it occupies the time that should be dedicated to God, to the family, to our friends….If this should happen it would be a clear sign that we are not sanctifying ourselves through our work, but rather we are simply seeking self-satisfaction in it.
Thank you, Lord, for the wise words of others that help me keep myself in check in knowing my true motives.
Smitten With Goodness 