Life's Smaller Curve Balls
Our theme this year has been all about transitions – particularly big ones that are life changing. But, at the other end of the spectrum, we all face daily mini-transitions.
What springs to mind is the idea that our daily “to-do” list rarely mirrors our daily “got ‘er done” list. The idea that
“life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”
covers little curve balls thrown our way, too.
One example, top-of-mind right now, is the list of things I told myself I needed to get done before this day is out. At the same time, I’m yet again tangling with my daily struggle to find some time to keep my (supposedly) daily centering prayer/meditation practice going. Like exercising every day, I know that committing to a daily contemplative practice is a really good idea. But, what about that spreadsheet and those emails that seem right now to be so essential? The sun might not rise tomorrow if I don’t get to all of it.
For those of you who have read what Keating, Merton, Rohr, Bourgeault, Finley or others have said about contemplative prayer, you know they argue it’s not a “nice-to-have” thing. They say it’s a life-changing thing. I’m convinced they’re right.
So, time to wrap up this little ramble and go sit quietly for a bit. One less thing is going to get done this day, but so be it. Maybe I’ll be that much better prepared to face tomorrow’s change-up pitches.
Dan Quinlan
