(no subject)
aug. 29, 2009
After reflecting on this week I have realized that I need to find a balance between social activities and studying. It has been so nice to be involved in this community right from the get-go, but I have a feeling my body will not be able to take many more late nights--I still have not been able to sleep for more than 6 1/2 hours since moving here, either from staying up late or, admittedly, a bit of anxiety. Hopefully once the fall semester begins after Labor Day I will get into a rhythm. Until then I will have to learn how to say no to some things, as much as that hurts. All of these experiences will help me become a better person and a better priest. I have a sneaking suspicion that most priests tend to work too hard, but we will not be able to right all wrongs, no matter how hard we work. And if we don't have enough energy, we won't be able to get as much done (and you can't give what you don't have...). Or the work we do will not be as good quality. As a priest I will be expected to lead a model Christian life, and while I know that perfection should not be my goal, I feel called to live as best as I can. This means taking care of my needs, even saying no to some fun things in order to regroup and maybe get some sleep. After all, even Jesus would go into the wilderness or take some Sabbath days for himself (and maybe his closest friends).
Perhaps I should meditate on my phrase of the year: "Be still and know that I am God"; maybe be a little more intentional with my personal time with God. It couldn't hurt...
After reflecting on this week I have realized that I need to find a balance between social activities and studying. It has been so nice to be involved in this community right from the get-go, but I have a feeling my body will not be able to take many more late nights--I still have not been able to sleep for more than 6 1/2 hours since moving here, either from staying up late or, admittedly, a bit of anxiety. Hopefully once the fall semester begins after Labor Day I will get into a rhythm. Until then I will have to learn how to say no to some things, as much as that hurts. All of these experiences will help me become a better person and a better priest. I have a sneaking suspicion that most priests tend to work too hard, but we will not be able to right all wrongs, no matter how hard we work. And if we don't have enough energy, we won't be able to get as much done (and you can't give what you don't have...). Or the work we do will not be as good quality. As a priest I will be expected to lead a model Christian life, and while I know that perfection should not be my goal, I feel called to live as best as I can. This means taking care of my needs, even saying no to some fun things in order to regroup and maybe get some sleep. After all, even Jesus would go into the wilderness or take some Sabbath days for himself (and maybe his closest friends).
Perhaps I should meditate on my phrase of the year: "Be still and know that I am God"; maybe be a little more intentional with my personal time with God. It couldn't hurt...