We have a reflective, contemplative dimension to our

persons. We must allow this aspect of our beings to have

proper expression and nourishment if we are to grow

properly, We of industrialized cultures consistently

must remind ourselves of this truth. Our cultures place

heavy emphasis upon the external order of things--

being externally active ge ting things done w h due

dispa oh. n such a climate our nnate desire for reflec-

tion can be all but completely stifled unless we are ada-

mant in our determination not to allow such a loss to

occur,

This book of short reflections is an attempt to aid

today s Christian in giving proper attention to the con-

temp/ative aspect of one s person. [n compiling this set

of reflections, 1 have drawn from works on the spiritual

life which I have prey ously published,

same t me I have added new material. In while at the

other books l

have given a more extended development of spiritual

themes, while in the present work I offer, for the most

part, fewer ideas concerning the various topics. There

is, obviously a place for both approaches. Sometimes

we desire a more extended treatment of spiritual themes;

at other times we wish to have merely a few ideas on

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