the river of busyness

I realized that it has been a week since my last entry...nothing wrong with that, of course, though it immediately raises the question internally of "What have I been learning in life?" For here I am able to reflect on events of the day or readings of the week, for my own benefit and perhaps the benefit of others. It is so easy to be carried down the river of busyness and never see beyond the riverwalls on either side.

Imagine floating down the Mississippi, but only seeing the immediate surroundings--the trees, cabins, animals--along the river. Now some may say there's not much to see for most of the way, but think of how many cities of various and distinct cultures lie close to the Mississippi: New Orleans, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, Davenport, Baton Rouge. Then consider rural life that fills most of the land surrounding the river. Suddenly this mighty river appears very closed and cut-off if you never take in the land and sights beyond.

Without turning into a navel gazer, taking stock and finding context in our lives is crucial. There we discover what we've been learning, we remember what is important, and we cling away from ourselves. We can actually care for the community around us because we are not too caught up in our own lives. And we can bring a deep breath to others, as we experience its contagious benefits.