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Lesson from a Kitchen Monk

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Sandwiched in the Soul Care Institute’s list of required books for reading is a little gem called the practice of the presence OF GOD by Brother Lawrence. As a humble cook, Brother Lawrence learned an important lesson through each daily chore: the time he spent in communion with the Lord should be the same, whether he is in the kitchen or on his knees in prayer. The 300 year old classic blesses and teaches us to seek His loving presence throughout each simple day.

Vicki Paxton, Cohort 4 alumni of the Soul Care Institute, wrote this poem in appreciation of learning this lesson.


Notice - Appreciate - Wonder

We walked up the hill breathing heavily. We were mid-exercise as we encountered this gentleman holding a shovel.

It was a bright, sunny, early spring day and it was no wonder that we were outside having a good, sweaty workout. It was also not surprising to see a man with a shovel in his front yard looking to get some clean-up done.

He was dressed for gardening work. His well worn, long-sleeved T-shirt was tucked into baggy, saggy sweatpants. He looked at us and smiled.

Then he spoke.

Reverse Course

I felt a gentle nudge this morning. Turn around. I didn’t want to listen. I don’t really like to turn around and go back the same way I came. It seems like it nullifies the journey I have been on. “I’ve already been there,” I whine internally.

I sensed it again.

Reverse course.

So ... I went and sat on a rock. I know, I know. That really doesn’t count as reversing course, but... baby steps, right? I knew I would reverse course. Eventually. I just had to come to terms with it first. So I sat, and watched. Talked to people passing by. Listened to the birds, watched for deer and rabbits. Ate my applesauce. Wrote a few blogs.

After I had done everything I could think of to procrastinate, I got up and started the slow trudge back the same way I had come. The internal whiner in me was grumbling, as expected.

But then I looked up.