In the distance I hear the low roar of trucks and cars traveling on Route 58. Two crows call and respond to each other while smaller birds twitter and sing. A rustling of leaves in a walnut tree reveals an acrobatic squirrel, his tail twitching and jerking as he races around gathering nuts or doing whatever squirrels do for work or leisure. The sounds of cicadas and other insects rise and fall, reminding me that this summer is soon ending.

I don’t often do this, just sitting still and listening. It’s not productive, there are many books I could be reading, work I could be doing, or podcasts I could be listening to. There might be a better way to use my time, but maybe it’s okay to occasionally set aside all the responsibilities and work I carry with me to let my mind relax. I can feel my shoulders and stomach muscles loosening as my mind begins wandering on paths infrequently traveled.

Our lives are busy, and there is much necessary work to be done, but I don’t believe God has designed us to always be in motion. During his ministry, Jesus often retired to a quiet place to rest and reconnect with the Father. Even though Jesus was the perfect man, he still required solitude to rest his body and spirit. Why do we think we are any different? Why has unceasing toil and activity become the standard mode of life? For what reason do we rush from place to place without ever letting our minds, bodies, and hearts rest?

Set aside time for silence. Pursue time on the margin of your busy schedule to rest and refresh your soul. Resist the temptation to fill the Lord’s Day with activity and busyness. Find a quiet spot, and just sit and listen.