Color-man, 10 June, Somewhere between Bergen and Oslo, North Norway

Efficiency is an act. Ironically, being efficient means not worrying too much about the organization of time. It is will following action--the last confirming the first. In simple terms, efficiency in all things is putting one foot in front of the other. In writing, as my mom says, it is laying one word after the next, ceaselessly. And when at last you must cease, you pick up another thread- working, reading, discussing, arguing, loving--actively. On our trip, I've thought a lot about the concept of efficiency. How do I make the most out of this remarkable time that I've been given? I've always hoped to transform the world, but there is no greater danger than to remain in that hope without action. It turns sour. It becomes dissatisfaction with something unattainable, leading to apathy. This is frightening. It's horrible. I catch myself in this very apathy, and realize that I am emptied; my mind is blank and I don't want to work, think, or do anything. It is there that we are most vulnerable. I want to avoid becoming like the Russia's high class that Leo Tolstoy described, who had all the time and money in the world, but found no joy because they were bored: "...in reality almost all the feelings of our class amount to but three very insignificant and simple feelings--the feeling of pride, the feeling of sexual desire, and the feeling of weariness of life." This is why the peasant, working life was so appealing to him, and is to me. Putting one foot in front of the other, looking forward eagle-eyed, leaves little room for such feelings. Besides those who do it out of necessity, there are two other types of people who work tirelessly and avoid those three deadly and numbing feelings. Our Norwegian friend Glenn is of the first type. He lives a life guided by moral and ethical principles. In return, God blesses him, though Glenn may not be leaning on His grace. Glenn has an open mind and good judgment. He's been blessed financially and works towards his ideals with these tools. He's often successful. Such a person is remarkably strong. I don't understand their motivation to do good. They are continually satisfied with their work, perservering even unto old age. The final group of people has the most reason to work without ceasing. Christians--those redeemed by the blood of Christ and leaning in His grace--have great reason to live, work, and hope. It is our calling to do so, and it brings us great joy. More than this, we have an inheritance waiting for us. So I must continue to write, and to learn. and to work, and to keep my eyes open, pressing on towards that inheritance. Drew