Pacing and changing gears

THIS is an art and skill that we have to learn, especially

these days. With all the developments around and the many challenges

and tasks they involve, we have to know when to move fast and when to

go slow, if only to keep ourselves on track toward our proper goal

with the minimum of distractions and delays, and to make good use of

our time, so limited and so precious as it is.

            We have to know how to give the proper pacing to the

different situations and conditions of our life, quick to change

gears, in a manner of speaking, depending on the concrete

circumstances at hand.

            Yes, we have to move fast with respect to what is

routinary in our life, since they are more of a mechanical or manual

task, Of course, it is presumed that this kind of work has already

been planned out, part of an over-all scheme that is carried out to

pursue a concrete goal.

            The routinary tasks should not just be a filler or a

killer of time. They should have a clear direction and purpose, and be

given a clear time limit. Far from desensitizing us and lulling us to

boredom, they should give us the sensation of excitement and thrill,

since they are supposed to be done with a clear goal in mind.

            And we also have to learn how to move slow when things

need to be studied more or to be planned out. Most especially, we have

to go slow and even willing to ‘waste’ time when it comes to praying,

to dealing with family and friends, or when we meet difficulties and

unexpected things in life and find ways of solving problems.

            We have to remember that there are always things in life

that need a lot of patience and waiting from us. Certain things need

time to develop, flower and bear fruit, even as we conscientiously do

the relevant tasks day in and day out. We should learn how not to be

too tense and nervous as time passes by.

            There will be surprises that may require some drastic

changes of our plans. We may have to do some stopping for a while,

some changing of course, some deviations, etc. In a manner of

speaking, we have to do some repairs, some making up, and all these

would require time. We should be ready for these eventualities.

            But just as well, we need to know when to retake the

course of things when it is the time to do so, without so much delay

and hesitation. We have to have a good sense of continuity and

coherence despite the stoppages and changing circumstances that can

occur along the way. We have to learn how to make good use of any

situation, good or bad. The art of synergy should also be learned.

            All of these considerations would require that we really

should have the habit of making plans and schedules and of referring

them to our ultimate goal, which is to give glory to God and all that

are involved in that goal—knowing how to love, how to serve others,

developing virtues, strengthening our spiritual life, doing

apostolate, etc. God is the North Star that guides us in the twists

and turns of our life.

            In any event, we should try our best to maintain our

spiritual and supernatural outlook, that is nourished by the divine

gifts of faith, hope and charity. Of course, this ideal would require

nothing less than the full cooperation of our intelligence and will,

and the full complement of our bodily and human powers.

            Yes, we have great need for prayer, for a direct contact

with God which is always possible since God is always with us. Thus,

before anything else, we should see to it that our prayer life is

functional, always shedding light and producing impulses for action.