The first rule is simply this:
Live this life
And do whatever is done,
In a spirit of Thanksgiving.
-John McQuiston Always We Begin
Again: The Benedictine Way of Living
It is for us to train our hearts
to live in grace
to sacrifice our self-centered desires,
to find the peace without want
without seeking it for ourselves...
and when we fail,
to begin again each day.
-John McQuiston Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living
At the beginning of each day,
After we open our eyes
to receive the light
of that day...
as we listen to the voices
and sounds
that surround us...
We must resolve to treat each hour
as the rarest of gifts....
and be grateful
for the consciousness
that allows us to experience it,
recalling in thanks
that our awareness is a present
from we know not where,
or how, or why...
When we rise from sleep, let us rise for the joy
of the true Work that we will be about
this day,
and considerably cheer one another on...
Life will always provide matters for concern.
Each day, however, brings with it reasons for joy...
Every day carries the potential
to bring the experience of heaven...
have the courage to expect good from it..
Be gentle with this life...
And use the light of life
To live fully in your time.
-John McQuiston Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living
