Quick note:  I hope/plan to finish the Gospel of Mark before Holy Week, and then to finish reading the second part of the Pope’s study on the person of Jesus.  It’s really, really good, and I unreservedly recommend it if you’re at all interested.

I’ve taken to heart this notion that Jesus, when called upon, did not insist on his own need for rest or solitude.

He did take opportunities for these things, and it does not seem that he experience the kind of ambitious restlessness which is common today.  Rather, he did not look at a person in need and say, “Maybe later, but now I need to rest.”

A self-indictment is necessary here:  I have spent too much time insisting on my own equilibrium, mainly at work.  At home, this is just an impossible thing, far even from ludicrous.

But at work, you know – no one cries, or screams.  At least, not the co-workers.  They’re not your direct charges at all times.  You can almost pretend to be something else, in order to protect your interests.

Anyway…

I’ve taken the example of Jesus to heart at work.  Rather than *barely* hiding my exasperation over one thing or another, I have endeavored to be cheerful.

Whereas I have, at times, done only as much as was necessary, I have begun looking to see what else could be added to the request.

“You would like me to mount these wall files you bought?  They’re the wrong color?  No problem.  I’ll take care of everything.”

I’ve not perfected this turn of grace.  I’m still, for all who care to investigate, a prig.

Nevertheless, it’s that small step, the size of which does not matter as much as the direction.  It is like what Thomas Merton says to God, “I believe the desire to please you does in fact please you.”

Exactly there is one of the really significant leaps of faith – to trust that God cares what you are doing about the little things.