Finding rest in presence

“Our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

These words were written by Saint Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo whose life bridged the years 300 and 400. And yet, this sense of restlessness that Augustine writes about feels as relevant now as it did then. We are seeking. Our need for wholeness and completion can push us to or away from God. The world tells us to seek fulfillment in relationships, in work, in embarking upon ambitious undertakings. All of these are good. All of these are also temporary. One day, the relationship will cease. The work will end. And those crazy ambitions will be a thing of the past.

What if instead of seeking wholeness, we invited peace into our lives? What if we were to stop imagining ourselves as projects to perfect and started to see ourselves as a piece, a very important and invaluable piece, of Creation?

Perhaps our feet are grounded for a reason. Be part of this place and time. Be present.

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Matt. 10:38-42