We are immersed in a culture that values how many things we can accomplish. In our careers we are urged to accomplish as many projects as we can. In our private lives we try to accommodate the needs of family. Children need to be at practice for various sporting events and then at the events themselves. Someone needs to do the cooking and cleaning which demands shopping and time for the preparation of the food and time to sweep and vacuum and whatever else goes into keeping a somewhat tidy house. We also try to fit in time to reach out to others through volunteer work either through our parish or in general in the community.

Multi tasking is admired. Doing more than one thing at a time can be thought of as a sign of success.

I cannot help but think of the words of Jesus as the disciples returned from their travels. First he listened carefully to the stories about their travels. I would think they told of healings, preaching, and finding places to stay. They had to depend on the graciousness of others to support them. Perhaps they did some multi tasking in managing this adventure. After listening, Jesus said to them “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.” Do you at times wish to find such a place simply to rest?

Balancing our lives to include time to rest is important. We can hardly be a disciple without this discipline. St. Benedict, the founder of Western Monasticism in the 400’s instructed those who lived with him that five practices are necessary. Each day should have time for prayer, work, study, hospitality and renewal. In our culture this is important. We need to slow down. As we accomplish each practice we need to pay close attention to what we are doing. Paying attention allows God to break into our lives and show us how to manage our time wisely. As we do so, we will find more peace and a renewed commitment to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

-Helen Ackermann