No time to waste

WITH the somehow foreseeable new landscape of the

post-Covid world, we can tell that we have no time to waste as we face

new and, most likely, formidable challenges. It’s very likely that we

have to do some innovations, reinventions and upskilling, if we want

not only to survive but rather to prosper and contribute greatly to

the quest of the common good.

            We have to spend a lot of time studying, researching,

observing, testing and going through the different exercises and

stages of the processes involved. More importantly, we need to

discipline ourselves so as not to be dominated simply by moods and

personal preferences, biases and other weaknesses that can undermine

the objectivity of our needs.

            Of course, it goes without saying that we should maintain

a positive, go-getter outlook before the new challenges we are going

to have. We should never give a chance to any trace of pessimism and

discouragement to enter our mind. We need to be a good sportsman who,

in spite of his acknowledged limitations, would still go on fighting

and trying.

            We really cannot afford to be distracted. We have to be

well-focused, though it does not mean that we have to be rigid. In

this kind of game, we have to learn how to blend focus with

resilience, consistency with adaptability. We have to know how to be

judicious in using old and new things.

            This is a big challenge we have today, considering the

tremendous amount of distractions we have, both the legitimate and the

illegitimate ones, the latter far outnumbering the former.

            Yes, we, of course, need some distractions as a way of

rest and relaxation. But in this human need, we should not lose our

proper focus. Rather, we have to learn how to stay properly focused

while having those legitimate distractions. We have to be most wary of

our tendency to be so carried away by them that we compromise that

focus.

            Thus, it is important that we have a clear idea of what to

do for the day, at least, before we get the skill of knowing what to

do for the week and the month. It may be helpful to have a fixed

schedule and a to-do list, so at least we could have some guide.

            As much as possible we should avoid beginning the day

without a plan and a strategy in mind, and just relying on some chancy

inspiration. We should also avoid delaying things. As much as

possible, what is written in the schedule should be done on time,

“hodie et nunc,” today, now.

            What is also helpful is that we be transparent, simple and

humble, so that in that way we would find it easy to acknowledge our

failures and to ask for help or to make consultations. And when we

succeed, things would not go to our head that would usually stop us

from pursuing more and better possibilities. These virtues would make

us feel light and agile whenever we encounter some surprises along the

way.

            What should motivate us to do all this is the desire to do

God’s will, to give him glory and to do apostolate, that is, helping

others find and love God in whatever they do. This is the motivation

that is capable of surmounting whatever difficulty we may have.

            It would also assure us that whatever happens, we know

that we are all in God’s hands. He will take care of everything. He

has the last word. Ours is simply to go along with his will and ways

as best that we can.

            So, we should not waste time, giving in to some fears,

sadness, anxiety. We should just move on. And feel the thrill and

suspense of facing a somewhat different world and tackling new

challenges. Let’s consider the whole thing a wonderful

divinely-scripted-and-guided adventure!