Sunday, June 11, 2006

Do Few Things

I was reminded again how much better I am doing physically. I was able to do all the regular things folks do during an Episcopal liturgy, like stand and sing, stand and pray. In the parish I’m going to, we stand and sing a lot. Before I got off the chemo, I did not have the energy or strength to stand during the service. I sat through the service. Now I can stand and sing without giving it a second thought. It feels great to be able to do that.

Now that I have this renewed energy, the question is what do I do with it? The temptation is to return to life as usual. However, I'm getting the clear message that yes, I need to pay attention to my body. Yes, I can do more than I was able to couple months ago; however, adding a bunch more stuff to my to-do list is not the thing to do.

There is a song from a movie about St. Francis. The lyrics go:

Do a few things,
but do them well.
Take your time.
Go slowly.

This is so countercultural, so un-American. It is also so sane and so holy. It has been my aim to incorporate this value into my life for many years. I'm beginning to realize that the stakes are much higher now. My health may well depend on it.

6 comments:

Kirstin said...

I love that movie.

Glad you're doing so much better! Listening to your body is a good thing.

Anonymous said...

Amen!

Glen Alan Graham said...

Howdy, Sis!

It's been great to read your last few blog-posts, about how life is going better for you! Praise the Lord!

This particular blog-posting was the best of the recent ones. I especially appreciated the lyrics of the St. Francis song and your closing commentary on it. And you're so correct!

San Antonio has a reputation for being a laid-back, casual city, but even here there are so many times I see folks speeding by in their cars. Rush, rush, rush! It prompts me to consider having a sign made that I could hold up that says on one side "Slow down and live! Enjoy life!" and on the other "Drive fast and you probably will die faster!"

Tu hermano en San Antonio,
Glen Alan

Anonymous said...

Thank you for keeping us updated.
I acknowledge for your ability for working on you on website.
The next 10 days, my granddaughter and I are attend a Mission week in E. Montana on near Custer Battlefield Field where my Father is buried. It is also north of the hme I grew up in.

Pleased to know you are feeling better. It is a balance between serving and following the heart's desire when I like to do so many things. Our prayer unites us. MEL

Anonymous said...

Howdy, Sis! It's terrific to read your most recent blog-postings, and learn how our Lord is blessing you!

This specific (latest) posting is so-o-o-o great! Particularly I appreciate your quote from the St. Francis song, and your closing commentary on it. To which commentary I say, "Amen, Sister!"

You know, San Antonio has a reputation for being laid-back and casual, a "city of maƱana". Yet even here there are so many times when I witness fol speeding down the street in their cars, rush-rush-rushing to wherever. Are they REALLY late? Did they not plan adequately? (Confession: I usually over-plan, & then have to drop things.) Will it REALLY be the world's end if they don't hurry up & get there?

This often makes me want to order a sign made that I could hold up. One side would say "Slow down & live! Smell the roses!" And the other side would say, "Drive fast & you'll die sooner!"

Tu hermano en San Antonio,
Glen Alan

Anonymous said...

http://youtu.be/WRDxpmV27p8

Brother Sun Sister Moon was a favorite movie from my childhood. Amazing how one can be derailed from the straight and Narrow..and yes, American culture IS just the opposite.

Was just reading a post today and i quote;

"Suffering is a great teacher. When we acknowledge and embrace it we are flooded with epiphanies, insights and amazing gifts, offering opportunities for transformation. This process of acknowledging, embracing and listening to our pain is Realization"

and you wrote your realization so perfectly here ((hugs))