The Genesis creation narrative tells us that God created the world, and all that is in it, in six short days, a remarkable burst of energy even for God.
Understandably, God was tired – an idea which has eluded learned theologians – but the author of the story insists that, “… on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done and he rested on the seventh day from all his work … So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation” (Genesis 2:2, 3).
Written on the first page of our Bibles and woven into the fabric of the universe is the divine provision for leisure time.
Our prayer should be:
Slow me down, Lord; calm the storms within my soul,
Ease the racing of my heart, and help me find control.
Steady my hurried steps with visions vast and clear,
Teach me to walk in time that stretches far from here.
Amid confusion’s din, grant calmness like the hills,
A peace that gently rests, a strength that softly fills.
Break tension’s weary hold with streams that sing of rest,
Restore my spirit’s power through sleep, the healer best.
Teach me small vacations, a pause to breathe and see,
The wonder of a flower that whispers joy to me.
To share a word with friends, or pat a faithful hound,
Or read a page of truth where deeper thoughts are found.
Remind me of the race, where speed is not the prize,
That strength is built through patience, where steady virtue lies.
The oak grew tall and strong by moving slow and sure,
A lesson carved in time: the things that last endure.
So slow me down, O Lord, and sink my roots below,
Into life’s lasting truths where steadfast spirits grow.
That I may stretch my arms toward destiny’s bright flame,
And rise with quiet strength to honor heaven’s name.
By Medard Laz
Labor Day is coming, summer is almost over. Have YOU slowed down at all this summer, or do the screens YOU look at keep YOU busy all the time?
EACH ONE OF US IS A MASTERPIECE OF GOD’S CREATION!
Please share today’s Treat with a friend. There are 365 other poems of mine in my book, A POEM A DAY TO PRAY 2025. It’s a great gift. You can order a copy on Amazon.
