To make the most of the gift of life - to grow, to cultivate peace and love in our hearts - we must in every waking hour seek balance between seemingly paradoxical choices.
We must pay attention – without becoming too attached to what we behold.
We must take responsibility – without neglecting joy; without, as Thomas Kelly put it in A Testament of Devotion, attempting to bear all crosses.
We must maintain a discipline of growth and service – without being self-righteous about it or neglecting self care.
We must cultivate compassion – but avoid disabling exhaustion.
We must seek peace without becoming complacent.
We must love without seeking control.
What a relief it is simply to surrender and ask,
“Lord, please guide me in this moment;”
to listen for the answer;
and to do one’s best to act follow that leading.
