A Question of Convenience

We turn to what could be called a question of convenience: the doing of things when they should be done, or dodging them⎯the whole habit of postponing, delaying, of learning only reluctantly, of withholding service, withholding self.

The subject revolves essentially around this point: few things that require concentration, service, or extra effort ever seem to be quite comfortable or convenient. And a person who does not want to put himself out for anyone can usually find an excuse for withholding himself or for feeling imposed upon.

No sincere self-improvement, no service to others, no calls that we respond to⎯personally or professionally⎯are ever quite convenient, if we don’t consider them so. There are always other things we could be doing with our time, and if we are too self-satisfied or self-centered, or too little disposed to learn, to work, to study, to serve; to accommodate, to extend ourselves, or to put out extra effort; we may acquire a chronic “don’t-bother-me” attitude, always somehow supposing that it is easier for someone else to do what needs to be done.

But we all need others. We are all indebted to others. All of us are served by others and should serve others. Moreover, we cannot develop by not doing. We cannot close ourselves up tightly and still be open for opportunity. We cannot learn without inactive effort. We cannot close ourselves up tightly and still be open for opportunity, we shall surely stagnate and shrivel within our souls.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” If we are too afraid we may not get back what we give, we may never give enough to eat. “He who saves his life shall lose it.” The truth is, we cannot save life⎯we can only use it. We can only stretch time by stretching ourselves. The parable of the talents is still in effect: what we do not use we can’t increase.

This should comment to all of us an attitude of getting up and going⎯of entering in and doing⎯of settling down and learning⎯of getting in and serving⎯of getting out and working; of improving our knowledge, our work, our willingness, our capacity, our output and performance⎯and so stretching life by stretching ourselves, and not stagnating through an overemphasis on comfort or convenience.