Mary Galvano

The motto “Ora et Labora” in Latin is a rule and way of life for the Benedictine Order of Nursia, Italy, established in 529 AD, meaning “pray and work”. At that time, Romans regarded work only for slaves and it was St. Benedict and the life of the monks who saw work differently. They saw a dignity with it, and so it was established that to pray and work should be a way to live everyday. Greatness is expressed in service! We are all meant to accomplish the works God has given to us, but we need to find balance between working and praying. Keeping balance in life can be tricky for each of us. What do we do when we have many talents and many choices to make in life? A lady working at the grocery store happened to be an opera singer. She is finding balance between the two. Singing is praying twice, especially when we put words of praise to God in song. Everything we do can become prayer when we offer it up to the One who gave us our talents. When you have talents offer them up and give glory to God with them and God will take care of the rest. Sometimes He wants us to use our gifts in a particular way at a particular time. He can take your talents and works farther than you can.

So the next time you are feeling anxious about your work, or you are feeling unappreciated, remember God appreciates you and YOU give dignity to work, not the other way around.