There is so much that we need to stay on top of: the things we need to do, yes, and also the people God has called us to look after, those we’ve promised ourselves we would reach out to and others whose emails we haven’t yet returned.  So too, the issues of the day, which are many, and weigh upon us.  There is so much of which we try to stay aware. Perhaps there is time in the day to do more, but our souls are weary and done in.

Psalm 131 (NRSV) provides a form of retreat that many of us may need:

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.

Gracious God, you call us to yourself, to live into greater awareness of your presence, to open ourselves to your healing love. Working harder and doing more are temptations that many of us face. Remind us, as often as we are pulled away, of where your love resides. And when we are at our wits’ end – unable to turn our hearts in the direction of your face, your heart, your grace – whisper to us once again, to calm and quiet our souls so we can be content with you and with the child that is within us all. Amen.