‘Beware the barrenness of a busy life.’ I’ve been thinking about this Socrates quotation. There are some weeks when there are very few days that aren’t filled with ‘stuff’ that has to be done. Various commitments take up a lot of time every day. Then there are weeks when the diary shows we have a lot of ’empty’ days and, paradoxically these are the ones to look forward to because they hold the promise of richness – time to think, to develop thoughts, to enjoy the peace of the surrounding countryside and coast, time to relax, read, listen to music.
Socrates was so right. While we may feel safer if our lives are kept busy, busyness can be a way of avoiding facing up to worries, insecurities, unhappiness that we push to the back of our minds.
Quakers have a book known as Quaker Faith and Practice which includes Advices and Queries. Number 28 reads as follows
Every stage in our lives offers fresh opportunities.Responding to divine guidance, try to discern the right time to undertake or relinquish responsibilities without undue pride or guilt.Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness.’
Tomorrow is the first day of a week that has hardly any commitments in the diary – what riches might lie ahead!
Life's a Beach 