"the struggle to find others with whom we can share our lives, others who give our lives texture and color and meaning, has been going on forever.
"the task of finding work to do that is fulfilling and productive and sufficient for our needs has been constant.
"the need for rest and sustenance and time apart has been never-ending.
"our hope and yearning and our desire for god, and a life lived with god, have been everlasting, from age to age."
sometimes you find the words that exactly describe your own search, and really mankind's search for the most part -- though don't we know so many who sit down and give up on it (don't we sometimes too)? the balancing of this struggle, these needs, hopes and yearnings and searches -- this is my struggle, your too perhaps. one complicates the other. i strive harder for that fulfilling work and find myself lost in another area. i discover someone who gives my life texture and then the busy life or the real world living doesn't allow for the texture and color and meaning to be. my responsiblilities somehow harm my time with god, or my time with god is disrupted by thinking of what needs to be done. what i yearn for isn't always what i need. what i desire may not be for this time. my excuses or guilt or view into the sadness of life can shadow the rest and prayer and joy. on and on they go.
the quote comes from "a good life: benedict's guide to everyday joy" by robert benson. even in the struggle, some guidance is most welcome. most welcome. a small book of hope.
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Just got back from camping with my kids and some friends. The wildflowers my daughter gathered along the mountain path still paint a picture in my mind weaving something beautiful and good into the fabric of my life. Memories of roasted marshmallows, cuddling my kids, and watching my boys sitting around the fire, in community with cousin and friend, carving sticks--they fill a place inside that needs simplicity and peace.
But even in the mountains the kids fuss and I discuss pain with a friend.
I try to balance God's good with this fallen world. I thirst, parched for a chance to drink in beauty. I seek to see the wholesome and believe it is real . . . that the pain, the smog, the clutter of selfish living (including mine) are the aberrations.
I determine to live in this world with a passion for the people, places, and experiences that give my life the texture and color. I determine to pursue service and rest balanced in the heart of a God who knows where the fulcrum should be placed. I determine to believe in the God who shapes all the ugly into something that can be redeemed . . . and I purpose to know Him . . . well . . . so the ugly really is the aberration and a beautiful life is truly real.
www.gracereign.com
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