Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In life and ministry, balance is an important thing to create and maintain. However, as I’m sure we all know, keeping the balance is easier said than done at times. In certain instances, we may be pushed and pulled in ways that throw us a little bit. And in other instances, we’re fully off-kilter with what’s going on. But as frustrating as that can be, setting up good habits in daily living and recognizing when we are out of balance go a long way in helping us get back on track.
In seminary, there was one particular spiritual director that was a wonderful, holy man, though truth be told, he had his fair share of quirks as well. Fr. Tomasek both dispensed great wisdom and wore his red beret unabashedly; he was a man of multitudes. In my 2 nd year, he gave a talk to the whole seminary that still informs my ministry today. He talked about the importance of good habits and how it leads to good spiritual health and ministry. Of course, he talked about the necessity of consistent daily prayer. If you’re not praying, it’s tough to say you’re spiritually healthy. But then he went on to say, it’s equally important to eat right, exercise your body, and most critically, get sufficient rest and sleep. The hubbub afterwards from my fellow seminarians was that the talk was underwhelming, too simple in its points and not very enriching. But they missed the point of the talk. Fr. Tomasek shared a great insight into successful ministry; make sure you’re taking care of yourself or risk issues in ministry down the road. Put differently, find good balance and find success in life and ministry.
I try to live that way. It does no one any good for me to be crabby, tired, or upset when I’m in ministry. Time in prayer, Good eating habits, getting my daily steps in, and a getting to sleep at a decent hour; you may not see these things on your end, but I strive to maintain them on mine. And it’s all done with care for my people and to be effective in my ministry towards them.
But I must admit, it’s been a little tough the last several months. All of factors are contributing to it, but I’m worried that I may not be able to give my full effort in ministry right at the moment. If you’ve had an encounter with me where I haven’t been fully attentive or perhaps even negative in my dealing with you, I’m sorry. I’m in the midst of trying to rediscover the right balance for myself and to get back on track. To that end, I am hoping to get a little time away in April to be able to rest and recharge. My friends, take care of yourselves and seek good balance in your life. It may seem underwhelming to maintain good habits, but it makes a big difference!
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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