From The Restory - Conversations On The Journey (198)

Buttoning and Unbuttoning (1/2)

The "smallness" of life can sometimes feel heavier than its great tragedies.

A life needn't be "full" of tragedy. If it's "empty" of meaning, that emptiness can eventually become a crushing weight bearing down on the one living that life.

The Conversation

Elements From The Conversation

In contemplative spirituality, the "buttoning and unbuttoning" is resolved not by ignoring or sidestepping the task, but by changing the nature of the button. Instead of an obstacle to be overcome so that life can "begin," the act becomes life itself.

Music

ABBA's song describes a life where the "buttons" are done perfectly, but the person inside is sleepwalking.

Lord,

We are not blind to the burden of the repetitive .
The same plate, the same path to work,
the same buttons, the same masks we put on.

Please help us with the discouragement for “the next thing.”
We know deep down that a task that is repeated
is not a life wasted, but a life cherished.
When we forget, help us remember.

As we untie our buttons tonight,
let us also untie the many voices that whisper to us daily.
And when we tie our buttons tomorrow,
may we do so with love for the world in which You live.

Amen

With our love.

George & Matilda

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