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Grace Is Everywhere: Reflections of an Aspiring Monk

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Garrison Keillor and Bailey White regale one with stories of whimsey and nostalgia that play in our minds like a sitcom. James Behrens in Grace is Everywhere goes beyond the stories of a secluded monastery outside Atlanta as he chronicles the events, the people, the visitors and the animals in his life. He sees the common threads that wind through all our lives. Nothing escapes his keen philosophical eye. What the common eye misses--he sees; what truth goes unnoticed--he points out; what unity exists in monk, child, single , married, friend or passer by -- he explains. No birdsong, spider web or kitten in a dumpster is without a message. He can hear the voice of God in a breeze, a raindrop, a chimney sweep, and in the laughter of a child. Fr. Behrens is a monk who lives in silence and yet he hears the messages of life we never notice. In our frantic world of sound and fury, Grace is Everywhere slows us down with a soft touch, a clear eye, and just the right words to make us stay and rest awhile.

My first visit to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit was in late 1955. To this day I can recall the peace and serenity that I enjoyed at that special place on that fall weekend in Conyers, Georgia 45 years ago. Father Behrens captures that same peace as he introduces us to the real-life characters he and we meet daily. He uses words as an artist would use a brush to paint a perfect picture in your mind of the good that is present in each person we meet. It is an easy-to-read book that you will want to read again and again. My wife and I enjoyed the book so much that we purchased four more to present as gifts to our friends.

James Behrens's Grace is Everywhere treats the reader to a delightful series of vignettes about real people and real events to convey powerful truths. Far from being a theological treatise or a philosophical discussion of ultimate concerns, the book's essence shows us simply and easily that God's love and grace are present at all times and in all places in our daily lives. What makes this book different from others with a similar theme or intent is Behrens's ability to relate concepts of such moment gently and clearly, at times even humorously, using his past and present as the backdrop for his insights. Behrens writes as if he were speaking with us; indeed, as if he's known us for years. Grace is Everywhere is a wonderful book. Read it and feel good.

James Stephen Behrens writes with disarming simplicity and unerring poise. He sees the wonder of life in the tiniest detail; like all true artists, nothing is lost on him. And his gift is to share that with his readers in these short, sweet meditations about life in and around his monastery in Georgia. The people he meets, the wonder he encounters, the miracles he enjoys -- all are beautifully filtered through his pen.

Grace is everywhere, and so is God, and we have Behrens to thank for reminding us of that, again and again.

On my many retreats to Monastery of the Holy Spirit, I've received God's gift of grace through the community of brothers. Fr. Behren's "Grace is Everywhere" allows us to look into the cloister life, and bring monastic grace all the way home.

For another title on monastic spirituality, a book written specifically for parents and families, look at "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home", by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad, May 2000).

Grace is Everywhere is a delightful companion for hours of relaxed meditation and communion with nature and our Creator. In short, captivating chapters, each a gem of wisdom, Fr. James Stephens Behrens presents ordinary events of daily life and finds in them larger and deeper meanings that unite the readers with God, making them an integral part of the great plan of creation. In the end of each essay, the plain happening of the day becomes the reason to turn inwardly, thus moving the reader to praise God, thank God, and appreciate God in His many blessings. Behrens writes in a casual, easy, down to earth style, which makes the reading effortless as well as rewarding. After each incident, the reader is prompted to think:" Why didn't I think of that?," for indeed everyone can relate to the conclusions aptly drawn from the text.

Behrens shows keen understanding of human nature as well as profound compassion for others and deep awareness of that which surrounds us. He makes people want to read more of his beautifully constructed metaphors.

James Stephen Behrens brings us behind the cloister wall of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit with stunning simplicity of language in this highly accessible and tender telling of tales from the monastic life. Through a series of brief, beautiful vignettes, easily read in a day, the Trappist monk observes the world around him and the world within the human heart with a gentle knowing, informed by faith and contemplation. Fr. Behrens has taken seriously Hemingway's advice to use simple sentences, crafted expertly, because simplicity fosters clarity, and clarity lets the idea shine through. The result is a marvelous book that quietly reminds us that the sacred is present in every ordinary moment.

James Stephen Behrens demonstrates the art of seeing beyond the surface of life to its center. Calming and powerful. A book to return to often.

Fr.Behrens has taken the events of everyday life in the Monastery and shows how they can relate to the everyday life of a lay person. With charm, and a keen sense of humor you follow the growth of a person as he lives the life of the Contemplative. This is a book that once you read it you will find yourself going back to it often.

Simple reflections, simply expressed, reminding us that God is not "out there" but in every moment, every person and every thing.