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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rev Dr Alfred Banya, Head of Chaplaincy at King's College Hospital in London

Balanced Life – take some time

Good morning.

Growing up in African village many years ago, I recall what seemed to be a leisurely life. Tough though it was, it seemed balanced. People woke up early at sunrise. While the sun was still cool, they would go the fields to tend to their crops. At around midday, they would come back, perhaps with a few vegetables, and may be some fire wood, and cook some food. They would spend the time chatting and relaxing, maybe under a tree.

When the sun had cooled down, some may go back if there was a bit more work to do in the fields. As it got dark, they would make a fire in the compound and the household would gather around it. They would share the stories of the day, discuss any problems and acknowledge achievements. People often went to sleep early to rest the body, ready to repeat the cycle of chores the following day. Events may occur such as the childbirth, sickness or death which may cause these daily routines to be interspersed with various rites and rituals, for such occasions.

Although the routine may have changed now, life was hard but simple and balanced. Something that in our busy lives today, we could learn from. Also today, as we mark the feast of St Benedict whose rule has formed the basis of attempts to attain balanced communal life.
Lord help us to attain that balance in all areas of our life. Show us those places that we may be out of balance. Help us to recognise those people and things around us that can help us to keep our lives balanced and in harmony.

Amen.