I am currently reading "The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming an ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart," by Cynthia Bourgeault. She quotes (with liberties) from an ancient text I must admit that I am less familiar with Haggai a biblical prophet. Here is the quote: So now... think; take stock; what do you really want? You eat but still hunger; you drink but still thirst; you clothe yourselves but can't get warm, and your wages run out through the holes in your pockets. (Haggai 1:6&7).
Lent is about taking stock. It is about asking that question - what do I really want - and having a change of direction of my mind and life. So what have I learned thus far as I journey on Lenten's path? Through the simplicity of my spending I have learned that I waste a lot. Many of my purchases are not based on need but on instant gratification. So I waste money. I have found that I rush so much that I do not plan ahead enough to take snacks with me and prepare meals at home. This rushing is of my own doing. As if I am so important that the world would stop spinning if I slowed down. This fast pace leaves me feeling exhausted and I find myself having little energy for any other downtime activity besides my television. I waste time and energy.
So I need to do better. I need to slow down instead of being in such a rush that I waste time and energy and miss all the human blessings of my life. What I really want to awaken my heart. May Wisdom be my guide as I seek to change my heart and mind.
"Take stock," says Haggai.
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