Judy and I recently enjoyed six days walking with some friends along the South West coast path from the Lizard to Zennor in Cornwall. The weather was varied; the company was good, the scenery in places amazing, and the news of the Lord’s Test match just fine!
Our itinerary gave us the welcome opportunity of joining in with the Sunday service in the village of Porthcurno, where we were made most welcome The retired priest, (the preacher), informed us that he had just returned from two days at a quasi religious gathering in St. John’s Wood in London, enjoying time off – and seeing the Australian Cricket team in discomfort!
He went on to talk of his “hero” St. Benedict: appreciated because of his teaching about living a balanced life. Five ingredients. I wonder, if asked, which you would choose? St. Benedict’s five were: “prayer, study, work, food and rest”. I have pondered much on these, and invite you to do the same. Here are a few thoughts to get you going ….
Prayer: of first importance? Recognising that my Creator is above all else personal; giving quality time both alone, and with others to develop a deep relationship with Him.
Study: that I have a mind to use: to understand who I am; more of the nature of God, the wonders of the world in which I live; how it functions and is best used and preserved.
Work: to be neither a workaholic, nor lazy – but as far as possible to be both useful for others, and self fulfilled.
Food: the need for sustenance and for the way relationships can be developed around the dining table.
Rest: the need for time for me, balanced with time and energy given for others
With the desire that all of us should manage to live better balanced lives,
Jim Stevens