By Elizabeth Eilers Sullivan, Visitation Alumna

Women leaving their shift in shipyard, May 1943.

With the holiday weekend here let us pause to consider the work we are called to do, and the respite that is needed to do this work. St. Francis de Sales and St Jane de Chantal both believed that every action we do could be done as prayer with the proper disposition. This includes our work.”If you hold the goods of this world in one hand, hold fast the hand of God with the other. Occasionally turn and see if God is pleased with your use of them. …

The soul which holds itself ready and open to do God’s will on any occasion, can do this even while sweeping the floor.” -St. Francis de Sales

Thursdays is the Sisters shut down day at the Monastery. Yesterday they shared on Facebook how they rejuvenate themselves to do the work at hand during the week:

Visitation Monastery North Minneapolis ‎”Shut Down Day” at the monastery. A day with no meetings, time to relax, pray quietly, read for fun, etc. I know that a sister went out for coffee, three went to the “Y”, one talked to a friend for long time, etc. We don’t go off to Vegas or NY but we treasure our unscheduled day so we can better listen to the Spirit… on this day and during the other days of the week. How about you? How do find respite?

Peggy Kravitz and 8 others like this.

Therese VanBlarcom: A body of water, reading material and a beverage. We are actually heading up to the lake tomorrow for a few days of respite. I picked up several books that I can’t wait to get into. It will be so nice to be captive and not have a schedule.…Reflection and rejuvenation.

Elizabeth Eilers Sullivan: Today it was as simple as a hot cup of tea and a bath after all were asleep.

Jody Tigges: shutting the ringer off on my phone, no tv or radio and just doing whatever mindful of the nature sounds around me.

Catherine Smegal: knitting as meditation.

Julie Pinomaki: I grab my journal and notebooks. 

Ronald Hall: Walking and listening to the birds. Reading and meditation.

How do you find respite? How do you use the goods of this world to please the Lord? How do you do your work as prayer? Please share. Happy Labor Day! Blessings.