“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
So says the writer of Ecclesiastes. In other words, each aspect of life has a natural rhythm, we may ignore it, even defy it, but it is there.
This year’s increased rainfall has affected the usual rhythms of autumn. More water has meant that trees are staying greener for longer. When a colder snap comes, the leaves are likely to turn all at once into their autumn colours and fall. Nature responds and does it’s best to get back into this rhythm.
Having just moved home, I am constantly opening the wrong drawer. I am out of rhythm. A pattern is slowly emerging, but I’m still searching for things. I feel a bit out of kilter. What was automatic and routine has become blunderingly deliberate. It’s only through repetition and focus that I will restore balance.
Though we benefit from having rhythms and routines, the pace and technology of modern life often mitigate against us adopting them. We can switch on instant entertainment, contact anyone, anywhere at any time and travel across continents and time zones. We don’t have to wait for a time and a season.
What about our spiritual life, our quiet time, our prayer life? Do we just snatch what time we can? And does it work? The Dalai Lama was asked what was key to meditation. His reply? “Routine” A very practical and down to earth response.
Chris Dawson
11th October 2024