“Do more than exist—live.
Do more than touch—feel.
Do more than look—observe.
Do more than hear—listen.
Do more than listen—understand.
Do more than talk—say something.”
– John H. Rhoades
John Roades wrote these words in 1972. Little did he know that over the next 50 years, they would grow in relevance. As a society we do not “do more”, primarily because we “do too much.” The concept is not to do more things, but to do things the way they should be done. To live instead of exist, to observe instead of just look, to understand instead of just hear – these all need attention, take purpose, and require mindfulness. We must be intentional with our thoughts, feelings, actions, and time. In a frantic pace to make progress and achieve things, we can lose sight of the depth life offers.
To exist is the bare minimum of life. To live is to observe and absorb every experience. To live is to connect with the people God has placed in our lives, the ones close as well as the random encounters. To connect with people is more than a hello or smile. It is getting to know what makes them smile, what warms their heart, and in some cases, what brings a tear to their eye.
To live is to engage with the beauty of life around us. We engage by noticing
the landscape, colors in the fields and trees, a deep blue sky or bright orange sunset, the sound of an owl in the distance, the smell of a flowering Magnolia tree, and the harmony of a song. Look beyond the obvious; observe and experience.
The expressions “Do More” or better yet “Be More” are mentioned in about two dozen of my previous blog posts. When we have the mindset to love others, to serve others, and to be Christ-like in our approach to life, we will find ways to support others in times of need, help them grow and achieve their goals. When we think we have done enough, then it is time to reflect on how we can do more. We get out of life what we put into it.
Doing more cannot be just a one-time event but must be an ongoing practice. We should be on the lookout for ways to assist. We can rebrand the expression “random acts of kindness” with “random acts of doing more.” Doing more is answering the call to help a neighbor move, then doubling our efforts when we realize we were the only one to answer the call. Go beyond what’s expected. Embrace the “Rebekah principle” from Genesis (24:10-20), where a young woman not only drew water for Abraham’s servant, but willingly drew water for his 10 camels as well.
Doing more can simply be listening more, talking less. American financier and presidential advisor, Bernard Baruch said, “Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking.” In this busy and noisy world, it’s amazing what we can achieve by simply taking a moment to be quiet and listen (do more) rather than talking and carrying the conversation (do too much). Instead of talking, reflect and speak with meaning. When it comes to “more”, we should strive to be impressed and interested, not impressive and interesting.
We must do more than lead when given the chance. We need to mentor, encourage, and inspire those around us by our actions. John Quincy Adams famously said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Consider the example of our Military Veterans continuing to give back after their tour of duty. They possess an inner compass which motivates them to do more and be more for their communities and their nation.
Some people live out a lackluster existence because they lack wonder in the things they are doing. If we set low expectations, we don’t have to do more. We can become subject to our routines. But if we create an intention anchoring the routine it can become a meaningful ritual. I have gone through this process myself when it comes to attending Mass. I am now doing more than hearing, I am listening to the Word of God. I am doing more than singing, I am worshiping through the lyrics. I am doing more than attending services, I am mentally engaged and truly present.
God knows we need to be challenged to do more and be more. In
Colossians 3:23, St. Paul writes, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others.” Do it with a passion that reflects the reality of a life empowered by God. Paul adds in his second letter to Timothy, (2 Timothy 1:6-7) “For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” Jesus was saying “Do more” when in the book of Matthew, (5:41) He says, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
We need to stop doing “too much”, showing up everywhere just to be there. We must “do more” and do things the way they should be done. Let’s live, feel, observe, listen, understand and make a difference to move His kingdom forward along our journey!
