Sunday dinner at the Bowman's has become a tradition. Bill's family always ate Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house. Now we're hosting dinner at our house. Whoever can come will let me know. I figure it's a great chance for the kids to get together and laugh. They also bring laundry. I don't do their laundry. I just provide the machine, beer, and dinner. Several years ago I began thinking of our home as an oasis where people come to be refreshed. We all need to practice love and it's up to mom and dad to create opportunities. On a typical Sunday there will be a few people in front of the fireplace (or on the deck in the summer) A few will be watching a sporting event on TV. Some will be helping to prepare the meal and set the table. Children will be at the computer, drawing, or playing with trucks. Mostly, what I hear is laughter.

Meet the family!

Bill and I are down front, holding our two grandchildren in pink. All nine children, three spouses, and five grandchildren got together at Christmas and sat still long enough to take this picture (thanks, Brian!)

Blessed Ordinariness!

One of the things that attracted Bill and me to Opus Dei was its celebration of ordinary life. That's where most of us live... in the middle of the world, doing professional work, worrying about our kids, celebrating family events... all the stuff that never makes headlines. But also the stuff that gives us the most joy! The idea that this ordinary life could become THE way to grow closer to God was revolutionary to us. But what great news! All the things we do every day, the sacrifices we make, the struggles we endure, the joys we celebrate... all of this, if offered to God, becomes prayer, and through it we draw closer to God. No withdrawal from the world to a monastary, no special religious garb to wear, just living ordinary life... but with a new twist. All the events of everyday are offered to God, and because we don't want to offer something poorly done, we strive to do that work well.

Revolutionary? Absolutely. Controversial? Not once you understand what its simple message is. "The Sanctification of Ordinary Work" is a beautiful way of life.