Life is too short to let it race by without paying attention. It’s also too short to spend it doing things that aren’t fulfilling. So now that the newness of retirement and of getting married again after all these years of widowhood is behind me, I’m doing some self-searching.

Here’s how the questions look for me; maybe the list will give you some ideas of your own.

Is most of my time spent doing something meaningful and enjoyable? Does it reflect my beliefs about God? Family? Love?

Am I stopping regularly to notice and relish the little moments of joy and wonder? The vast night sky, the buzzing of a hummingbird, or the sweetness of a perfect summer watermelon?

Am I saying “yes” to things I don’t really want to do, to be a people-pleaser, or because my ego talks me into it? Or have I said “yes” to so many wonderful things that I jump from one to the next in a constant blur of busyness?

Am I saying “no” to things I want to do because I’m afraid of what could go wrong?  Or worried about what others might say?

Am I balancing care for others with care for myself – getting enough sleep, enjoying healthy food, setting aside time for quiet prayer, exercising regularly?

Like me, spend some time reflecting and writing down your thoughts. Because now comes the harder part. If my honest answers point to a problem, it’s time to do things differently.

Can I spend less time scrolling the internet and reading social media?

Can I delegate things that don’t fulfill me and focus more on those that do?

Can I spend less time on my projects and more time on my people?

Can I honestly assess my time and accept that I cannot do everything – even if everything I want to do is good?

I will remember to be flexible, since God’s plans might be different from mine, but even a small change can empower me to make more gradually. This mindful process helps me take time to look at my life, instead of letting it fritter away without paying attention.

After all, time is not a renewable resource.

Dear God, thank you for the blessing of time you have given.
Please help me use mine wisely and joyfully.
Amen

Over these weeks of Lent, we’ve tried to be mindful of the words and ways we speak to others.

Our wearied souls are soothed when we use the Bible’s rich advice to perfect the pause, measure our motives, monitor our methods, build our brothers, and learn to leave.

When our words are kind and gentle, our spirits will be, too. We have fewer regrets and become more charitable and peaceful.

Today, let’s wield our words well, confident in the guidance of God’s Word.

Yes, He is risen, and with that joy, we can rest in the knowledge that God loves us even if we haven’t perfected the challenge of using our words well. He knows we’re not perfect.

But we can keep trying!

-colleen

Week 4: Build up Others

In some ways, this week’s idea is a continuation of the last, and builds on the idea of speaking gently and respectfully to encourage others. Words have the power to wound and hurt, but they also have the power to inspire and heal. Our sweet comments can do immeasurable good in this wounded world, and there are opportunities every day to recognize and appreciate one another.

For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak (Matthew 12:34,36).

We can use our words to complement another’s hard work instead of letting it go unnoticed: try to give at least one sincere compliment every day.

We can use our words to show gratitude for kindness rather than taking it for granted: try to say thank you for even small gestures

We can use our words to remind those we love how much they mean to us: take time to tell your spouse or children you love them. Not just a quick, “Love you!” as we run out the door to work or school, but with heartfelt attention in a quiet moment.

Kindness begets kindness, and our appreciation for others soothes our own hearts as well.

Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones
(Proverbs 16:24).

Let’s continue using our words to make the world a sweeter place. Come back next week for one last idea. See you then!

-colleen

Excerpts taken from: Arnold, Colleen. “5 Steps toward Better COMMUNICATION.” St. Anthony Messenger, vol. 129, no. 8, 2022, pp. 31-34