Being

Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher and philosophical founder of Taoism wrote, “The way to do is to be.”  I first stumbled across that snippet of wisdom years ago when I read the Tao Te Ching, but over the years the deeper meaning of Lao Tzu’s insight has mostly eluded me.
I have been much better at doing.
Keeping my calendar.
Working my way down my list.
Crossing tasks off.
Dreaming up new ideas to try.
Doing my best to meet expectations…my own and others.
To a large extent my identity has been shaped by what I have done.
Pastor.
Parent.
Coach.
Board member.
Community activist.
But, I am getting tired of doing and want to become better at being.
Being honest.
Being thoughtful.
Being compassionate.
Being kind.
When all is said and done, as it will be at some point, I hope I am remembered for the being part of me as much as the doing part of me.