Epistle March 2011 No. 154
One thing at a time
It is said that the people who get things done are those who do one thing at a time. This makes a lot of sense to me. I know that I cannot cope with too much stress (although a little is a good thing), and that I will panic if I have too much to do. To overcome this, I need to relax and do one thing at a time. Of course, there are all kinds of personality types and not everyone is like me.
However, life runs along far too quickly for most of us. Yet I am not at all sure that any more gets done by rushing than if we were all to relax a bit and do things as they come. Quite apart from being more productive, this would also help to avoid some of the stress-related illnesses that are so common.Living in the present moment
Saying this reminds me that Christians are encouraged to live in the present moment. This is very much the same thing. It is not easy doing one thing at a time. You have to concentrate on what you are doing, and try to avoid all those distracting thought (maybe about other things you have to do) that come flooding into your mind. That is the same as living in the present moment. In particular, for Christians, this means giving God our whole and undivided attention during times of prayer and worship.
Giving up and slowing down for Lent
As we come to Lent, maybe we should make a special effort to do one thing at a time: at work, at home, when relaxing, or when spending time with God. Sometimes it seems that Christians take on a lot of extra devotions in Lent. But Lent is a time for giving things up as well. So, let us slow down, give up some of our indulgences, and put our mind to everything we do, so that it is done with full concentration. May God grant you a blessed Lent.
My Retirement
I have planned three ‘at village halls’ to enable people to meet me before my retirement. These are at the Amy Robsart Hall, Syderstone, between 10 am and noon on Saturday, 12 March. At Sculthorpe Village Hall between 2.30 pm and 5 pm on Sunday, 20 March, and at North Creake Church, between 6 and 8 pm on Friday, 25 March.
As well as these, a there will be a Farewell Eucharist at Sculthorpe Church at 11 am on Sunday 27 March, followed by a Farewell Buffet Lunch at 12.30. To help with the catering for the lunch, those who want to come are asked to book.