Chapter 22: Sleeping arrangements for the community
In the morning, as they are getting up for the work of God, they should quietly give encouragement to those who are sleepy and given to making excuses for being late. (From para. 2 of Ch. 22 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
A note of tenderness sounds here, making life sweet. John Main said that small kindnesses are the best way to prepare for meditation.
Benedict reminds me, Abba, that the best treatment for my once chronic case of the morning “awfuls” was simply to start moving. Ninety percent of life is getting up, suiting up and showing up. Simply showing up for my meditation and for this page reawakens me. I remember that there is nothing that will happen today, Abba, that you and I can’t handle together.
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