Running to nowhere

Do I dream of the future? Plan and train for it? Then I’m fear-soaked. “Take no thought for tomorrow.” We’re not invited to compromise. Not a few thoughts. Not one thought. No thought.

Impatience

Impatience is an intolerance of what is spurred by a desire for what isn’t. The man who is chronically impatient lives with the talons of “What’s next?” sunk deep into his upper back.

Age and stage

“Do you have any plans for the summer?” my dental hygienist asked brightly. “No,” I said. “How about you?” “Five weddings and three baby showers,” she replied.

Making plans

A man at peace with himself does not make plans. Why would he?

Have nothing

This is a hard sell in a culture where the answer to every problem is more. But consider: Our basic biological needs are few, modest and easily met. If we have more than we need, we have too much. Craving sensory stimulation, we chase more and better experiences—more of what we don’t need. Craving is slaving. Every form of wanting, every anticipation, alienates us from the beauty and power of the inexhaustible now. Jesus to the cultivated rich kid: “Sell everything, give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven.” Which is nowhere other than now.