Photo by Bill Gull on Unsplash
When I was in Catholic grade school, I remember writing JMJ at the top left-hand corner of every loose-leaf paper. The teacher also used to write JMJ on the blackboard.
JMJ is an abbreviation for the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, used as a reminder to offer up our work for their guidance, much like a prayer dedicated in their honour for us to be able to do our best. It is a mindful intention and practice that invites the Holy Family into our lives to help protect and guide us and our work.
Nowadays, we may not be using the initials JMJ at the beginning of every document we create, but we can find alternative ways to integrate our aspirations into our everyday lives.
For instance, place a picture of the Holy Family on your desk or in your wallet, get JMJ printed on a card or use it as your computer screensaver, and remember to say a prayer before beginning your work.
When we are stressed and feeling overwhelmed, we tend to disconnect and feel lost. Prayer helps us find our way and allows us to be present by keeping us connected to our faith. It is so important to simply “be” present in our relationships with ourselves, others, and God.
I wanted to finish by mentioning that the next time you start any task, say a little prayer throughout the day. And guess what just popped into my mind? The song “I Say a Little Prayer For You.” It was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick.
It begins with the lyrics;
“The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you….Forever, forever, you’ll stay in my heart
And I will love you…Forever, and ever, we never will part.
Antoinette Giacobbe M.A.
