It is interesting to find my boundaries stretched through a conversation with someone young enough to be my son. As I hear the words long after we have finished our conversation, I am reminded of conversations decades old. In those, I was the ones with passionate views and ideas. I was so confident. Nothing could deter my confidence in what might be. Whatever I imagine was possible with hard work and endurance. Whatever one did, one did with their all. There was no time to waste; action was the order of the day! It was as if the future was a call for words, engagement, and movement.
I can still hear the call to move forward. The volume is as loud as at any time in my life. I am confident we can do more. I can see possibilities. Life invites and demands our engagement.
There is a “but” in my vision. In contrast to the view of my youth (and the challenge to boundaries), I do not believe we are called to constant action. In everything there is a season and time for us to act. There are also times where the best we can and should do is rest. Rest in its own way is a conscious choice. When one has prepared, wait. David’s words still ring true; “Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.” (Psalm 4.5)
I find intentional resting always comes before effective action. It is never passive. It is a time to listen and hear what Divinity has to say. It is a time to see the beauty that is around us.
I wish I had understood the wisdom of timing in my younger days. I sense that I could have been more effective than I was. I know I have the opportunity to learn. I can make a difference – to my community and for myself. While yesterday is here for my learning, the questions always rest in the present. What will I do now? Is it time to act or wait? Asking the question is the start.
