'The Bent Bow'

Since being introduced to the Desert Fathers and Mothers on the course 'The Heart of the Divine' at Sarum College, Salisbury, I have been reading a little about their sayings. Here is an example:-

Once Abbot Antony was conversing with some brethren, and a hunter who was after game in the wilderness came upon them. He saw Abbot Antony and the brothers enjoying themselves, and disapproved. Abbot Antony said, 'Put an arrow in your bow and shoot it.' This he did.

'Now shoot another,' said the Elder. 'And another, and another.' Then the hunter said, 'If I bend my bow all the time it will break.'

Abbot Antony replied, 'So it is also in the work of God. If we push ourselves beyond measure, the brethren will soon collapse. It is right, therefore, from time to time to relax.'