Sloth

What do you think of when you hear the word sloth? Do you think of the mammal, who is not particularly noted for speed? Do you think of one of the seven "deadly" sins?

We can learn from each of these - and along the way discover joy.

National Geographic says the three-toed sloth is so sluggish that algae can grow on its furry coat. Sloths spend much of their time in trees and are poorly adapted for ground life. They are herbivores who get their food and liquid from trees. They are also endangered. But someone has often pointed out to me how often sloths appear to be smiling. They can turn their necks 270 degrees, and are fabulous swimmers. They are interesting creatures, and are worth preserving in their natural habitat. Learning about them may just make you smile, as well as helping us see how some creatures are so well-adapted to a very particular habitat.

On the other hand, the sin called "sloth," is easily misunderstood. While it may refer to laziness, it often rears its head in a more familiar fashion - through busyness. Sloth in this sense means being so busy with things that do not matter, that we do not get around to doing the things which do matter. In our day, sloth comes dressed in the clothes of to-do lists that do not feed the soul. Obviously we need to be busy with work that helps clothe, feed, and care for one another.What is not so obvious is how much we fill our days with items that prevent us from full, depthful, whole-hearted living. Can we learn something from the other sloth?

Sometimes I fear that I have gotten stuck in the sloth of hectic busyness. What brings me joy - even more than ticking items off my to-do list - happens when there is real connection with a person, or a community, or a natural setting. And for that, I need to slow down and notice. Notice what is around, and notice what feelings are present.