“Beware of haste and restlessness, for nothing hinders inner progress more than these.” (From a letter by St. Francis de Sales to St. Jane Frances de Chantal.)
How can we spiritually overcome the tendency toward haste and restlessness, which easily scatters our lives and may also lead to many unnecessary mistakes? We must realize that haste and restlessness are tendencies of our human nature. They would not be overcome even if we were more phlegmatic.
However, what can help us is a deeper immersion in the presence of our Father, especially when we feel driven and let our human nature run wild. This involves noticing when we allow ourselves to be guided by haste and restlessness. Perhaps we can recall what it is like when we do what is asked of us in a collected and calm manner, so that, with God’s help, we may enter into such a state.
After all, there is no reason for haste and restlessness, which differ from any urgency that may be required. Our Father holds the situation in which we find ourselves in His hands. So what can happen to us?
We need only pause and turn to Him. Then a ray of peace will flow into the situation and draw our soul to Him. This is why St. Francis de Sales said that haste and restlessness hinder inner progress on the spiritual path. In such a state, the soul is not at home with God but allows itself to be driven by circumstances or inner imbalance.
When we take advantage of opportunities to be alone with the Lord and let our soul find peace in Him, we carry this peace with us into challenging situations. Turning inward to God becomes second nature, and we will notice more quickly when haste and restlessness try to creep in—and can return to the “inner cell” all the more quickly.