The day after

If Christmas was a fairly quiet and reflective day for me, then today was a really 'hectic' one. At this time of year the children go out more and I am usually the driver. (Well, in a couple of months my older son should have his driving licence....so that would be another form of 'stress', as he takes flight). Anyway, today I had to fetch seven young people, my son and six friends in my Toyota Unser to and from their futsal game. It was totally distracting for me, to have so many people talking at the same time, while I was trying to concentrate on the road. I had to drive rather slowly too, for I felt the car was much 'heavier', and it was more difficult to look through the rear view mirror, in between the heads. After that there was another outing for my younger son. At least they will be away for a youth camp from tomorrow for three days!

In between all this, I have been trying to get into the Asian Reflection devotions that I have agreed to write. I reckon if I start now, I will have to finish two a week to meet the deadline in good time.

Well, it is never easy trying to live a contemplative life in the midst of everyday life, 'out of the cloister'. It is definitely a great challenge that takes lots of creativity to work out. And lots of humor too at all the noisy moments that come our way! Jesus himself had many moments when crowds pressed in on him; and he did stop to meet their needs. But he recognized his own needs too, and often withdrew to spend time in solitude with his Father.

As the day draws to a close, I am grateful for the strength granted for all the busyness. I don't wish everyday to be the same, but it is certainly a rare 'privilege' to drive around in an Unser with seven young men!