I often wonder how Mother Theresa handled it all: being both a contemplative and in a very active order. How did she find those moments of spiritual retreat while caring constantly for the suffering? I still struggle to find that balance. I find myself rushing through the Daily office, rushing my prayers and rushing off to the next task. When is the last time that I read the Psalms slow and let them sink in? And I find myself forgetting to pray as I get busier and busier. I had grown accustomed to having prayer rise in me like a spring, but as I get more distracted, it happens less.
Perhaps this is the quest of the contemplative in a busy world: to constantly strive to find a way to be both a person of prayer and a person of service. Perhaps the struggle is the point. At any rate, I will continue to try to learn to live both as God enables me.
