Indian Time

It is what it is

I had an epiphany this morning. My church men’s group is studying the book Becoming a King, by Morgan Snyder, and I’m doing the reading required for our next meeting. Within Chapter 7, Becoming Good Soil, is a section entitled Five Habitats, and Habitat 5 is “…Speed of Soul.” This is about our culture of hurry and busyness. In my own defense, I’m probably not the worst at this, slowing down, but that is small consolation.

When we are busy, the Father is quiet.

Which brings me to my story. My Uncle Larry was Shoshone, and I can remember when I was young, my early teens, at family reunions the white folk, my Dad in particular, would joke that Larry ran on “Indian time.” Which is to say, I’ve come to realize, perhaps, the speed of soul. I can’t be sure of course, I’m not Larry, but that’s how I’m going to think of it. How many of us have said, “so much to do, so little time?” Guilty as charged I admit.

…we have become a people too easily available and perpetually engaged…we have grown uncomfortable with silence, solitude, stillness — the very contexts that were primarily intended to hear the voice of God…

Most of you know that I am a “list guy,” though you might not know that I am also a “calendar guy.” In both cases I am one of those people who will take the time to put something on the list even if only after the thing has been done, and the same is true of the calendar. I think I will retain the list, but the obsession with the calendar, the daily carving up of time, has got to go.

Now, in order that you may learn to know Me, so that you can be sure it is I, your own True Self, Who speak these words, you must first learn to Be Still, to quiet your human mind and body and all their activities…
Be still—and KNOW—I AM—God.

the IMPERSONAL LIFE, 1941

So, I am going to slow down, even further. I’m going to improve at being in the moment; the extent to which I have no memory, especially of relational experiences that I should have been entirely present to, is somewhat disheartening I must admit.

And having said that I’ll end this post, put my life on “Indian time,” engage in the present, and enjoy those around me. And remember.

Note: unless otherwise noted, all quotes are from Becoming a King

Note: in my opinion the IMPERSONAL LIFE is a must read