Your Monday Hug for Dec 1, 2025: Rewarded by the Work
Happy Monday, my Friend!
As we step into Advent, this week’s reflection is a gentle reminder to reconnect with the journey toward Christmas.
Our theme is feeling rewarded by the work, inspired by moments from Vernon Winfrey’s life. Even though Mr. Winfrey has passed, his example reminds us that true joy often comes from loving the work itself.
During the first week of Advent, we’re invited to focus on the hope of Jesus’ coming - and to prepare our hearts along the way.
One way to do that is through the rosary. Each bead is a small, intentional step - a quiet moment to reflect, pray, and grow. Like meaningful work, the reward isn’t just at the end; it’s in the journey itself, with every prayer shaping our hearts with peace, love, and hope.
Take a quiet minute with God this week - thank Him for the rewards you’ve already received, ask how He wants to reward your daily efforts, and consider who might need a little hope from you right now.
Watch the Video
Take a few minutes to watch this week’s short reflection - it’s a chance to pause, lean into the work of preparing your heart this Advent, and find a little reward in the quiet moments of peace.
Rewarded by the Work
Excerpt from Hugs: Daily Inspirations for Women, 2005
"Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time." - Proverbs 12:11 NLT
Oprah Winfrey's father is Vernon Winfrey, the proprietor of Vernon Winfrey's Barber Shop on Vernon Winfrey Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee.
As a young man Vernon plowed Mississippi cotton fields behind a mule. Today, despite his daughter's urgings to retire, Winfrey continues to do what he's done for many years: cut hair. Why? Because he loves his work, and he loves his customers.
All of us should strive to be like Vernon Winfrey; we should search for meaningful work, work that we love, work that we're anxious to do. That kind of work is its own reward, and when we find it, we're sure to make the cut.
"If you always do what interests you, at least one person will be pleased." - Katharine Hepburn
Untying the Knots Within – One Step of Faith at a Time
As we enter Advent, each small act - prayer, reflection, or kindness - helps prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas. Like the beads of a rosary, these daily steps of faith build over time, shaping us with peace, hope, and love.
- Mini Prayer: "Lord, help me see the reward in the small steps I take each day."
- Quiet Practice: Take a few minutes in silence this week to reflect on one small act of faith, kindness, or preparation. Let it remind you of the hope Advent brings, and notice how even these little steps shape your heart for the joy to come.
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Saint Companions this week:
- St. Eligius (Dec 1): Patron saint of goldsmiths, metalworkers, and craftsmen. Known for his integrity and dedication to service.
- St. Bibiana (Dec 2): Patron saint of those suffering headaches, epilepsy, and nervous disorders; known for her steadfast faith under persecution.
- St. Francis Xavier (Dec 3): Patron saint of missionaries and travelers; inspires us to bring faith into action wherever we go.
- St. John of Damascus (Dec 4): Patron of theologians, hymnographers, and those defending the faith.
- St. Sabas (Dec 5): Patron of monks; reminds us of dedication, perseverance, and spiritual work in community.
- St. Nicholas (Dec 6): Patron of children, sailors, and gift-givers; teaches generosity and faithful service.
- St. Ambrose (Dec 7): Patron of catechists, beekeepers, and learning; encourages disciplined, faithful work for the glory of God.
- Product Tip: Use your Traveler’s Rosary as a tangible tool to pause and pray - a small, intentional step for reflection and growth with each knotted bead.
Gifts to Inspire Reflection This Week:
Let each rosary remind you that the real reward is in the small, faithful steps you take - each prayer, pause, and moment of hope shaping your heart this Advent.
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Tiny Traveler Pocket Rosary - With its simple, decorative cross, this tiny rosary is a faithful companion wherever life takes you. Like St. Francis Xavier, may it inspire you to carry your faith into action wherever you go. |
| For the child in all of us, allow this sweet Noel Nativity Creche Rosary Marker or Zipper Pull remind you of the hope and joy of the season - and of St. Nicholas, whose generosity and quiet service still inspire us today. | |
| Shield of Faith St. Benedict Door Rosary is a beautiful reminder of St. Ambrose’s wisdom - that faith grows through steady, intentional work. Each time you see this door rosary, let it encourage you to embrace small daily steps of prayer, kindness, and hope. St. Ambrose taught that even quiet, disciplined efforts shape our hearts and draw us closer to Christ, especially during Advent as we prepare for His coming. |
Browse all handcrafted rosaries here →
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Let’s pray …
Lord,
Thank You for the small steps of faith we take each day. Help us see the reward in our work, find hope in the journey, and share Your light with those around us. Guide our hearts as we prepare for the joy of Christmas.
Amen.
Walking with you in faith,
Kathleen
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