Just to Be is a Blessing
Rev. Melynne Rust
Issue date: 12/1/09 Section: Student Life
I have a print hanging on the wall in my office that says, "Just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy." In a world that values what we do, what we accomplish, and how much we can do in the amount of time we are given, this little saying is a reminder to me not to overlook the blessing that comes simply from being. Of course, we cannot just be, we cannot just live. Life is more than 'being'; life involves a lot of 'doing'. But, in the midst of all we 'do', remembering to 'be' brings blessing.
Right now, as you are finishing up the last week of classes, and preparing for finals, you are probably overwhelmed with all you have to do, with all you have to accomplish, and perhaps wondering how you will get it all done in the limited time left. How can you even think about 'being', when there is so much to 'do'? The wonderful thing about 'being' is that we do not have to 'do' it (that is the whole point). Being is not something we do; rather, it is a state of mind. It is remembering to 'be' present in the moment we are presently in, rather than thinking about what we need to 'do' today, or what did not get 'done' yesterday, or what is still left to 'do' tomorrow.
What does it look like to 'be' present in the moment in the midst of all we have to do? When studying, it is about 'being' fully engaged in the task of studying, rather than letting our minds wander the way they like to do. When eating, it is about 'being' fully aware of what is going in our mouths, how it tastes, and when we are satiated.
When walking to class it is about 'being' fully alert to all that is around us; the squirrels gathering nuts, the birds singing to one another, the crispness (finally!) in the air, the people we pass.
Taking the time to just 'be' in the midst of all we 'do' brings calmness to our chaos, and brings peace to our spirits. And that is a blessing.
Right now, as you are finishing up the last week of classes, and preparing for finals, you are probably overwhelmed with all you have to do, with all you have to accomplish, and perhaps wondering how you will get it all done in the limited time left. How can you even think about 'being', when there is so much to 'do'? The wonderful thing about 'being' is that we do not have to 'do' it (that is the whole point). Being is not something we do; rather, it is a state of mind. It is remembering to 'be' present in the moment we are presently in, rather than thinking about what we need to 'do' today, or what did not get 'done' yesterday, or what is still left to 'do' tomorrow.
What does it look like to 'be' present in the moment in the midst of all we have to do? When studying, it is about 'being' fully engaged in the task of studying, rather than letting our minds wander the way they like to do. When eating, it is about 'being' fully aware of what is going in our mouths, how it tastes, and when we are satiated.
When walking to class it is about 'being' fully alert to all that is around us; the squirrels gathering nuts, the birds singing to one another, the crispness (finally!) in the air, the people we pass.
Taking the time to just 'be' in the midst of all we 'do' brings calmness to our chaos, and brings peace to our spirits. And that is a blessing.
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