MONDAY’S MONK: MERTON ON “DOING” AND “BEING”
February 6th, 2006 · Posted in Monday's Monk · 0 Comments
Sometimes I become so busy with "doing" that I forget to spend time with God — listening — open to God’s direction — enjoying just "being" with God.
I also find it hard to find time to just "be" with other people — just sitting and talking — getting to know them.
The times Sally and I don’t have anything to "do" can be stressful because we find it hard to just "be" with each other without doing something.
I also find it hard to find time to just "be" by myself. I always feel I must "do" something — have something to show for my time — or my time is wasted.
I found this quote from Thomas Merton that addresses this issue:
We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have-for their usefulness.
God, help me to take time for You — for others — for Sally — and for myself. Help me to learn to just be — and not always feel compelled to do. Amen.
Until next time — Shalom! Bill
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