"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

11.20.2008

Slowing the Pace

Good morning. A brand new cold day here in Georgia. I cannot believe November is more than half over. I am so behind in just about everything. There is always, always, so much to do. Have you noticed that with all the time saving things we have we still don't have enough time
to do all we want in a day. It seems that instead of saving us time (and they do) they enable us to cram more stuff in our day. We do not slow down because of them - we just add more stuff.
As I am getting older, and my kids are mostly grown, I am beginning to look at life a little differently. I am reading a wonderful book by Ken Gire, he has several wonderful books in fact. This one, "Seeing What is Sacred" speaks to the need of slowing down and really seeing, reflecting. Listen to this quote by Thomas Merton.

Every moment and every event of every man's
life on earth plants something in his soul. For
just as the wind carries thousands of invisible
and visible winged seeds, so the stream of
time brings with it germs of spiritual vitality
that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds
and wills of men. Most of these unnumbered
seeds perish and are lost, because men are not
prepared to receive them.

Thomas Merton
Seeds of Contemplation


I want to be prepared to receive them. We hurry thorough our day, and our hearts miss out.
I know it takes work, but we have forgotten what quiet is like. We fill our days with music, TV, or the computer. (like now) :) I know I have a really hard time quieting down. I do not do it well, but I am learning.

It's funny, my blog name is A Splendid Adventure - adventure speaks action - and I am wanting
to slow down, but that does take action, a different kind of action, and more of a heart adventure.

Oh, I also wanted to comment about the childrens book a day thingy on my page. I love childrens books and I have a new grandson that I can read to - well in a few months, he is only 2 months old. Today's featured book is "Runaway Bunny" If you never read it to your kids you need to. Even if they are older. It's about a mommy bunny pursuing her baby bunny wherever he goes. God does that too. He is the lover and pursuer of our hearts. But he is also kind and gentle. He will not come where he is not invited and welcomed.

Blessings to you all, and try to take some time to give your heart a gift.


1 comment:

Unknown said...

You are so right Mary. I almost wish we could go back to the days when things were hard, but much more simple. People made time to sit and talk around the dinner table while sharing with one another. (course we didn't...sad)
I have been trying to make life more simple around here. It's funny how it's just been in the past couple months I've finally FELT that I don't have to rush. It's as tho I didn't let go when I retired. Slowing the Pace is so important...you write so beautifully sister, and I love your sweet spirit shining thru!!!