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Ruth Scott Anglican Priest and Quaker:

鈥淲hen did we forget that we are human beings not human doings?鈥� A good friend has just been appointed to a high-pressured job in the Church. In wishing him well I asked him to remember the purpose of the faith he professes is to give people life, not wear them out with over-working. Strange how many of us find that message hard to hear!聽

A couple of days ago a colleague who counsels students told me that many of their parents show their love by paying for private education but, working all hours, can鈥檛 afford to give the children the gift of time they need. On top of that the kids often feel there are huge expectations on them not to waste the costly investment. In response some schools are now running mindfulness classes for students and parents in an attempt to help both groups gain a better perspective, particularly in the run-up to exams. It leaves me feeling sad about the life I believe we are handing on to some of our kids - a treadmill leaving far too many people by the wayside, defeated by obstacles often not of their own making. Such inequalities give an indication, I think, of sometimes how out of balance we are.

Thankfully my newly-promoted friend is one of a growing band of people who want to challenge this heart-sickness and enable a change of pace that will help restore us to health. In response to my reminder to resist ridiculous working hours he directed my attention to the blog of American, Omid Safi. Omid asks the eye-catching question, 鈥淲hen did we forget that we are human beings not human doings?鈥澛� I believe it鈥檚 an important question to hold in mind. But change is possible. Please note, this is not a call to action but a call to question; an invitation to stop, draw breathe and take stock of what really matters and what will help us all to flourish.