When One Handful is OK

This morning, I read, ‘Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.’

It set me musing…

…Hearing motivational speakers telling me that I can achieve anything if I set my mind to it …Hearing parents tell me that only the best is good enough for their child …Hearing preachers tell me that I should aim for God’s standard of perfection…

…Working with many good teachers who could prepare and deliver high-energy, exciting, inspirational lessons that the children remembered and learnt from – two hands-very-full. Two handful lessons all the time are unsustainable for both teachers and children. Sometimes a quiet, gentle one handful lesson is necessary for all…

…Looking forward to meeting a friend at two o’clock yesterday. At ten past two a received a phone call to say that he’d got held up; he’d be with me in twenty minutes. I could have been cross that my two handful afternoon had been spoilt, or I could keep calm and accept the one handful…

…Chatting to Ernie who’s had chemotherapy. He’d love every day to be a good two handful day where he’s mentally and physically strong and feeling great. He’s learnt that accepting one handful days is OK.

…Having conversations with grieving friends following personal bereavement. They talk about good days and bad days, of supportive friends and family, of days of loneliness and tears. They’re grateful for the two handful days, and seek to live the one handful days with peace and acceptance.

… Al wishing he was more popular. Al has no family. He’s tried hard to make people like him – he wants to be the centre of attention – but it’s been chasing after wind. If he could only stay calm and develop one or two good friends who care about him that would be OK…

So this morning I’m praying for wisdom to recognise the times when tranquillity is more important that chasing after wind, and lowering my sights from two handfuls to one handful is OK…