I read numerous on-line devotionals from a wide variety of theological perspectives. Almost every perspective has something of value to say. I particularly enjoy devotional sites that are more poetic and contemplative than didactic.

Marble’s own Esslie Hughes regularly locates and e-mails wonderfully contemplative devotional material. Recently those of us on her mailing list received a poem written by Mary Oliver. The final verse from Ms. Oliver's poem entitled The Summer Day says:  To be sure, life is more than being idle. But, it is also more than being busy. There are times for both. And sometimes the former is, in fact, a type of prayer -- setting aside the time to actually notice the things (and people) around us. That’s part of the meaning of the biblical word "Shabbat" ("Sabbath"). It is also a scriptural dictum: "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)  Ms. Oliver suggests that such is holy work...that it is part of what we are called upon to do with our "one wild and precious life."

Perhaps in this season of vacations, those of us who spend so much time being busy can set aside time simply to observe life and reflect on it, to notice the beauty of nature and individuals that surround us, and to see God there.

It seems to me that only when we are still do we gather sufficient energy to move back into motion. Only when we are quiet do we hear the things we are called upon to say. Only when we are reflective do we find the causes that call us to be active. Only when we drink in God's gentle love are we filled with love that is strong enough to give away. Only when we rest do we equip ourselves with strength to work. As summer comes, maybe that’s important to remember -- that vacation (however you define or construct it) "restores our souls" (Psalm 23:3) so that, renewed and refreshed, we can return to the holy work of making a difference in the home, the work place, the community, the church, and the world.

I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?