I posted the following comment in response to a message, “Be Wise,” by Bishop David deFreese, Nebraska Synod, ELCA, on one of its Web sites in August 2010.

Several years ago I spent a weekend at the Benedictine Mission House in Schuyler on a retreat entitled, “Experience the Life of a Monk for a Weekend.” That’s exactly what the weekend was! And what I experienced was how peaceful and whole lives can be, not when they are cloistered, but when they strive for spiritual balance. The monks spoke about how they embrace the ancient saying of St. Benedict, “ora et labora,” meaning “prayer and work.” When the bell rang, telling them it was time to pray the Daily Office, then they would set aside the tools of their labor, and walk to the oratory for prayer. When it was time to work, they would immerse themselves in that labor. And when it was time to rest, they would commend their lives to God and relax.

This weekend changed my life! It has helped me seek and maintain balance in my ministry, and to know when I have gotten off-kilter, when a part of my life is out of balance with the rest of my life.

If you are looking for a tiny resource to help guide you in seeking and maintaining spiritual balance in your life, I’d recommend “The Rule of St. Benedict.” This way may seem daunting, but as St. Benedict writes, “What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Lord to supply by the help of his grace” (RB, Prologue 41).

Blessings,
Pastor David Frye