Thursday, September 18, 2014

Taking A Break

Baxter is back! He enjoyed the summer. He worked on his tan, took a few extra naps, explored the scenery in the area, and generally broke away from the usual work day routine to relax and relish life. It doesn’t take much for him to rejuvenate himself. Cats have simple needs, and a little break from the pressure of daily feedings, litter box use and choosing a place to nap does a world of good. Baxter comes back to his duties now refreshed and ready for another year of antics and foibles that teach us about living better with God.

Do we take breaks, time away from our schedule? Not the big interruptions we may plan like an annual vacation, but the chance each day to stop, smell the roses, and think about what is happening in our lives. In the spiritual tradition of our faith, these breaks were known as the particular examen. They were brief times of prayer and reflection, time-outs in the midst of other activities. They happen in place. A person doesn’t run to the church for these moments. Rather wherever we might be is the place we use to stop, reflect and pray.

What do we do with these breaks? Our tradition offers some help. First, recall that God is with you in this moment and He is always with you throughout the day. With the pressures of our daily activities, we can lose sight of God in our midst. He’s there, but we can’t see, hear or sense His presence  because we are lost in our own world. Taking a break cracks open the moment to God’s presence.

Next, review how you are doing. Where did you blow it today? Did you lose your temper, get  distracted from the person talking to you, or add an attitude of despair, cynicism or unfair criticism to the situation? It’s o.k. Just ask for help and forgiveness. Where did you nail it so far? You offered to help another when you weren’t obliged; you listened first and spoke later; you refused to cheat, lie, gossip, or steal when seeing others do it. Give thanks and be grateful that you are an instrument of God’s grace in this world.

Lastly, ask to stay focused on God as the horizon in which you see everything and everyone you encounter, and on yourself as a witness to God for others. As Saint John writes, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” And further in 1John we read: “God is love, those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” Invite God to be busy with you. Think of yourself as God’s hands and eyes and ears and tongue to work and understand and listen and speak in ways which make God’s light and love present to yourself and others.

Baxter’s long summer break is over. All vacations hopefully fade into pleasant memories, but we don’t have to lose the values they bring to our living. Take a break with God a few times during the course of your day. Take it in place. Find the God who is walking with you each day in these moments, and let Him guide you for the rest of the day. You will come back to your normal routine differently each time.