If we fill our lives with things, and again with things,
If we consider ourselves so important that we must fill every moment with movement and plans and calculations
When will we have the time to greet Messengers under oak trees, as did Abram? Or overhear improbable news, like Sarah?
When will we have time to take the long, slow journey across the burning desert as did the magi in search of the heaven’s own Embodied Rule?
Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds; or brood over the coming of the Child as did Mary?
For each of us there is improbable news to hear; for each, births to brave; for each, deserts to travel and stars to pursue in dark silence.
Extravagance characterizes all caught up in the Promise of the coming New Heaven and New Earth. When you work, do it as if you don’t need the money; love like you’ve never been hurt; dance like no one’s watching.
Yet don’t forget, as well, to give yourself to extravagant slowness: the best food, the best fun and the best faith are never fast-paced affairs. Let the slow times roll!
©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org. With lines dapting a poem (author unknown) and by quotes from professional baseball player and philosopher Satchel Page.