Dear Reader,
What’s so holy about going to the grocery store? Or doing laundry? Or taking a meal to a sick friend? Or changing a diaper?

You might think of sacraments as things like the Eucharist (Communion) or Baptism, or Marriage. But when we do all that we do for Christ and in Christ, we are living a sacred life.

In The Practice of the Presence of God, the thoughts of Brother Lawrence, a 17th century French monk, we read “Brother Lawrence insisted that, to be constantly aware of God’s presence, it is necessary to form the habit of continually talking with Him throughout each day. To think that we must abandon conversation with Him in order to deal with the world is erroneous. Instead, as we nourish our souls by seeing God in His exaltation, we will derive a great joy at being His” (“First Conversation,” p.11).

That’s what sacramental living is all about. Being present with God while you go about your day.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian believers, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24, New International Version).

This month, our Redbud writers tackle the topic of sacramental living, giving their own unique spin on what it looks like to them. And the amazing thing is, in whatever their circumstances, however they first started thinking about sacramental living, and then putting pen to paper (so to speak), to talk about it, God showed up. 

The everyday meets the holy because we are open to God revealing himself to us. As Brother Lawrence wrote to a friend, “During your meals or during any daily duty, lift your heart up to Him, because even the least little remembrance will please Him. You don’t have to pray out loud; He’s nearer than you can imagine. It isn’t necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God’s presence. We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately. These conversations can be so loving and gentle, and anyone can have them. Is there any reason not to begin? (The Practice of the Presence of God, p. 36).

The Lord bless you as you read. Let the writers know what you think.

Stephanie Reeves