Day 13: #KeepDrinkingWater
BY LAUREN MORTON | March 6, 2023
Today’s Readings
There is a song titled Mind My Business, which has become one of my personal anthems to calm me down when things feel chaotic.
The past three years have felt as if the world was a large cassette player with the pause button pressed or on slower speed. This past holiday season came, and the world suddenly sped up. There was an expectation to accept every invitation—from holiday parties to brunch to after work gatherings. With the expectation to be “present” at every function, go to work, and manage to take care of adult life, judgment and condemnation are sometimes close behind if you decline or need to reschedule. The reality is, while we were on a pause, or slower speed, our priorities changed. We learned to value quiet time, engage with old or new hobbies, and embrace a slower pace in our lives. We drew closer to ourselves and God.
Honestly, this new pace in our “return to normal” feels more chaotic than I remember.
In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds his disciples how they should think about their enemies by not judging or condemning them lest they be judged and condemned. Our friends are not our enemies, and invitations are not extended as ill will. However, judgment and peer pressure are the enemy when we do not value or respect our friend or loved one’s new pace of life. We do not always have to give an explanation if declining an invitation or need to reschedule. In today’s language, it is not everyone’s business what you do with your time.
Jesus also reminds them to give, and gifts will be given back to you. What if you joined a friend or loved one for their daily walks one day? Gathered a small group for dinner once a month to lovingly listen to them or be listened to? Would the gift of their full presence be more grace-filled than their hurried and distracted presence? What gifts might you receive?
Lauren Morton is co-founder/executive director of Bee at Peace, Inc. She is a board member at Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center in Atlanta, GA.
Yes lockdown was a special time. Without distractions of media and work, it was easier to spend time alone with God and value God’s new Creation every day for our benefit to keep healthy, despite what was happening all around us. And it was also easier to really be there for our friends.
When I put money first and worry about finding paid employment just to survive and put food on the table, my time with God and being there for others suffers.
Making the time to be fully present for others is a gift.
Love the song. Today’s gospel passage is my favorite ❤️
The reflection today seems to hit the mark for me, today, here as I am, buried in what seems like over-committed. I cannot be present if rushed. I value quiet and personal time with friends and family. It is important to commit myself, more than just my physical presence, with time that allows for this. I appreciate hearing that it is OK to say no. I can accept a no from others as well, without judgement or a need for explanation.
Amen is the very first word that came to mind, I have been working on practicing mindfulness and finding peace in the quiet and solitude. Thank you for sharing this, its so nice to know that I am not alone in this practice.
You and Patrice Roberts giving me new life today <3 thank you!
Thanks for the Beautiful song.
What a great reminder to spend time with loved ones. I just called my brothers and invited them to a dinner.