This video, made by Dan Stevers (check out Jesus.net) transmits a clear and timely message “God has a vision for your life. However, daily life tends to obscure that vision, our frantic schedules push God to the fringe of our lives, and we beginning to develop habits that distract us from the world, our lives, and God.”
A Deeper Look:
If I had to choose a few words to describe our times, one of them would be, “now.” Now is the only moment that matters, it is the key towards happiness, and without it we feel as though our world is collapsing.
The availability and speed at which things move in our day-to-day life aren’t intrinsically bad; nevertheless, not everything is done in the “now.” In fact, the deepest and most important things are reached only thanks to perseverance over time. Those who will only settle for what’s at “finger’s reach” are destined to superficiality and frustration.
Once we set out on the path of frenetic activity, it is difficult to turn back. It’s something like trying to get somewhere by running through a wall. In the beginning, it seems like the quickest route, but soon enough we realize just the opposite. Still, there is a moment in which this bad decision turns into a vice: instead of regretting our choice and changing our course, we convince ourselves to simply to run faster and faster. In the end, of course, the wall wins, and we end up battered on the ground.
Without moments of silence, how are we to understand what we are doing, where we are going, or what will happen if we keep acting in this way? Securing daily moments of humble reflection, of self-questioning, in an environment of prayer is what allows us to recognize the error and find a better solution, preferably in the form of an exit door.
Apostolic Elements:
– Amidst so many activities and things to do, it is easy to forget what is paramount: knowing and loving Christ.
– Living a hectic life makes reflection and pray very difficult. Many times, in fact, we tend to use our “busy schedules” as an excuse. Something like, “I’m sure I need to change some things in my life, but I just don’t have time to figure that out right now.”
– Without moments of pause, of reflection, and of prayer it is impossible to discern prudently and be in control of our decisions. If we lose sight of our target, we have nothing left but to shoot at nothing, hoping to hit something. Obviously, we fail. Panic sets in, we frantically try and try again; yet, still to no avail. Thus, our bad habits take deeper and deeper root until we become their slave, and have willingly forgotten what we were really looking for in the first place.
– Sometimes we fall into believing that everything depends on us, that’s why we are so busy. It’s all about “getting things done.” Yet, the dynamic of conversion is different. We have a significant role to play; but, the Lord is the 1st protagonist. An intense prayer life, an interior and dedicated participation in the sacramental life, and a firm faith that the Lord is truly working in our lives are indispensable in reminding us that our happiness and conversion are, above all, a gift that we receive.
Accompanying Bible Verse:
– Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
– Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. (Ph 3:8)
