All for God or for Self--and Thoughts by A Carthusian

"A Carthusian" (see how hidden he remains, even after death?) writes:

There are souls who seek solitude merely in order to find themselves; there are others who seek it so that they may give themselves. Still, it remains to be lived!

Happy those who know how to put their whole soul into all they do. Because they are giving themselves, they will be able to bear much suffering, but their happiness will exceed their suffering, since the gift of self is the source and condition of life, and therefore of spiritual growth and joy. Go on, then, giving yourself: go on suffering...seek your joy in that precious suffering that the gift of self entails. God Who became man knew no more excellent way than this when He was on earth.

An agnostic friend e-mailed the many beautiful and joyful activities that Christmas time brings for the choosing to do or not do. Noting my not "doing" (and for various reasons such as hermit vocation, victim soul suffering, and that ought to be enough!), she ended her message with: To each, his own!

I did not respond in writing to that, but in my thoughts I said, No, to God, His will!

Much is perspective and choice. All for God, or for self.