In a slew of meetings lately, I realized that I don't double-task. I don't really multi-task. I triple-task and it encompasses my whole being. I will be sitting in a meeting and so my physical presence is where it needs to be for attendance. I will often be on my phone, emailing to meet other demands and connect with people I need to contact. So my body is busy and my mind is engaged...I'm not so sure about my soul. I'm not sure what it's doing when my body and mind are so occupied. Here's my theory, though.
I heard this story a while back...
I heard this story a while back...
An American traveler planned a long safari to Africa. He was a compulsive man, loaded down with maps, timetables, and agendas. Men had been engaged from a local tribe to carry the cumbersome load of supplies, luggage, and “essential stuff.”
On the first morning, they all woke very early and traveled very fast and went very far.
On the second morning, they all woke very early and traveled very fast and went very far. On the third morning, they all woke very early and traveled very fast and went very far. And the American seemed pleased.
On the fourth morning, the tribesmen refused to move. They simply sat by a tree. The American became incensed. “This is a waste of valuable time. Can someone tell me what is going on here?”
The translator answered, “They are waiting for their souls to catch up with their bodies.
On the first morning, they all woke very early and traveled very fast and went very far.
On the second morning, they all woke very early and traveled very fast and went very far. On the third morning, they all woke very early and traveled very fast and went very far. And the American seemed pleased.
On the fourth morning, the tribesmen refused to move. They simply sat by a tree. The American became incensed. “This is a waste of valuable time. Can someone tell me what is going on here?”
The translator answered, “They are waiting for their souls to catch up with their bodies.
I think that's what I need right now...I've been pushing myself harder than I ever have in my life and I need to let my soul catch up to my forward progress. Although my moments of reflection are brief and infrequent, I am using this Advent to watch my motivations, check my actions and behavior, and to give my soul a bit of attention in my crazy existence. I'm trying to go about my daily existence with a reflective nature. I am exercising my soul, hoping its muscles spring back into shape quickly.
It's the "pink candle" Sunday, the week in Advent that startles me into action. It's the warning week, the sign that Christmas is a mere two weeks away and I better have my act together soon! I wonder how Jack is doing on that shopping!
It's the "pink candle" Sunday, the week in Advent that startles me into action. It's the warning week, the sign that Christmas is a mere two weeks away and I better have my act together soon! I wonder how Jack is doing on that shopping!
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