Waste

I consistently drive for efficiency and business - in an almost ruthless fashion.

It consistently trips up my social and spiritual life; because you cannot be efficient with a friendship whether with God or with another soul.

Today's meditation from the team at Henri Nouwen's Legacy Trust hit home:

In our utilitarian culture, where we suffer from a collective compulsion to do something practical, helpful, or useful, and where we feel compelled to make a contribution that can give us a sense of worth, contemplative prayer is a form of radical criticism. It is not useful or practical. It is simply to waste time for and with God. It cuts a hole in our busyness and reminds us and others that it is God and not we who creates and sustains the world.

Contemplative prayer is the exact opposite of what I practice; of the capitalism that our society practices; because of that I must enter into it even more. Enter into a stillness.

This strikes me as the perfect reflection prior to going on a nine day break for Thanksgiving.

Tick Tock