It is interesting to find my boundaries stretched through a conversation with someone young enough to be my son.  As I hear the words long after we have finished our conversation, I am reminded of conversations decades old.  In those, I was the ones with passionate views and ideas.  I was so confident.  Nothing could deter my confidence in what might be.  Whatever I imagine was possible with hard work and endurance.  Whatever one did, one did with their all.  There was no time to waste; action was the order of the day!  It was as if the future was a call for words, engagement, and movement.

I can still hear the call to move forward.  The volume is as loud as at any time in my life.  I am confident we can do more.  I can see possibilities.  Life invites and demands our engagement.

There is a “but” in my vision.  In contrast to the view of my youth (and the challenge to boundaries), I do not believe we are called to constant action.  In everything there is a season and time for us to act.  There are also times where the best we can and should do is rest.  Rest in its own way is a conscious choice.  When one has prepared, wait.  David’s words still ring true; “Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.” (Psalm 4.5)

I find intentional resting always comes before effective action.  It is never passive.  It is a time to listen and hear what Divinity has to say.  It is a time to see the beauty that is around us.

I wish I had understood the wisdom of timing in my younger days.  I sense that I could have been more effective than I was.  I know I have the opportunity to learn.  I can make a difference – to my community and for myself.  While yesterday is here for my learning, the questions always rest in the present.  What will I do now?  Is it time to act or wait?  Asking the question is the start.