A time to rest...

"Indeed, we live frantic existences. But it's not wrong to rest in the labyrinth, to find a bench or a chair to rest.."
Edward Hays, "The Lenten Labyrinth"

Fr. Ed Hays wrote this book, "The Lenten Labyrinth," in 1994. I picture him pausing whatever he's doing in heaven and noting his advice for the Third Tuesday in Lent tells us to pull up a bench and rest. That's about ALL we can do in the midst of this virus! It feels like Lent is happening to us this year, instead of us choosing to "do" Lent. How can we use this time for the best possible good for everyone? How can we allow this time to heal us, even as we face the uncertainty of becoming sick? How can we let this time grow us up a bit, so we can emerge from it a little wiser, more compassionate, more loving, more like Jesus? This time gives us an excellent chance to think of others first. Pray for those who are ill and who will become ill. We can do the best thing by staying a safe distance from others and not over-buying stuff at the stores. We can call and check on loved ones and support efforts in the community to keep kids fed and occupied. We can seek out reliable information and avoid sharing hyped-up misinformation. We can think of this time as sacred and holy--a time to rest in the labyrinth. We are being asked to slow down, stop the frantic wheels of our usual lives from spinning. Someday, we will look back on this difficult time and remember its craziness. How we view it in the rear view mirror depends on how we live it now. Do we see it as a troublesome burden or as a possibly unique gift? Live this time well. Love others well. Rest in the labyrinth... Love, heidi