The virtue of balance!
Have you ever had the thought: “I’m the only one working around here!” or “I’m the only one putting in my hours all the way!” I suspect most of us have thought this at one time or another and then dealt with the feelings that come up around that thought!
I’ve been reading the Rule of Benedict …. The last few days the readings for the day have been focused on prayer, work, and sacred reading. St. Benedict challenges his monks to the virtue of balance. Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB, in her commentary on the Rule of Benedict, says this: “The monastic does not exist for work.” Benedict says that his monks are to have a sense of balance, alternating work, prayer, and holy reading throughout each day in a regular rhythm that provides continuity and gives a sense of meaning and purpose to life.
The challenge for me: the next time I feel “out of sorts” because I think I’m the only one doing all the “work” around here, I need to remember to take a deep breath and find some balance! I do not exist solely for work. Though I’m definitely not “Sister Mary Lazybones,” I’m going to be more mindful today to find some balance between my work and prayer and play! How about you?
What a good reminder for this time of year – balance that provides continuity and a sense of meaning and purpose to life. How often, even with the best of intentions, we let the busy-ness of Advent /Christmas activities over take us.
How true this is! This is such an important reminder for me when the work from so many directions comes bombarding and the other important facets of life tend to slip into the background. I find that sometimes it’s a matter of simply “rearranging” the order in which I do things, and in the end, everything gets addressed. It’s a great antidote for unrest and resentment.