I came across a quote recently and I can’t get it out of my head. It returns to me at night, it hovers over me during the day, and it nudges me on the weekends. Not like a cloud, but like a small ember in my soul just waiting to ignite.
And I have to let you in on it.
It comes from the modern monk Father Thomas Keating. It should be a comfort to all of us who feel like we are stuck on the hamster wheel, the rat race, the culture of doing — whatever you want to call it. It’s especially helpful for those of us who want to spend more time with God but are pulled in 10,000 directions by kids, thoughts, work, and whatever else.
The quote is actually part of a true story. Keating championed a form of contemplative prayer, and while teaching it to one of his pupils talked about how hard it was to focus on God while attempting to pray. His response is comforting, encouraging, and inspiring:
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