Our lives tend to become so busy with tasks and duties that appear to be important, necessary, or desirable. We fill up our time, generally doing good things. We have responsibilities and commitments. Life just rolls on from day to day. At the end of most days we may feel very tired, maybe even a bit overwhelmed.
And, perhaps, we dedicate a block of time each day to nourishing our spiritual life. We might pray, meditate, contemplate, read to keep our mind open, participate in liturgy, walk in nature, engage in our favorite devotions and spiritual practices. These activities are all good and have been valuable for our spiritual growth. But…
When we began taking our relationship with God seriously, we may have been drawn to a particular way of opening ourselves and our lives to God, and to what God desires for us. If we are still doing the same practices, it helps to periodically ask why. Is it because some priest or holy person recommended it? Is it because this practice was the impetus for an explosion of deep feeling, movement or insight? Is it because it’s comfortable – a habit that is easy to fall into and follow? Is it because God still is inviting me to continue with this?
How will we know if we don’t stop doing what we’ve done for so long and ask God, “Is this what you want me to be doing now, or not?” God is only in the present, here and now. Our situation and circumstances are continually changing. We need to pause, and let God take the lead in every aspect of our lives.
It is quite likely that if we are still doing what we’ve done for so long we have ceased paying attention to what God is asking of us today. If in our quiet moments we sense some measure of restlessness or dissatisfaction, it’s probably time to change things up a bit – to try something different. If we don’t allow ourselves any quiet moments, that’s definitely a sign that we’re on automatic pilot – just cruising along, filling up time.
Of what value is our life if we are doing what we understand we must, or what we want to do, or what we think God wants us to do, but not what God wants of and for us? God is uninterruptedly asking us to stop, to listen attentively, and to act accordingly. We need to leave space in our day for the living God.