Psalm 55:6, 7 
Oh, that I had wings like a dove; 
then I would fly away and rest! 
I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. 
(Interlude) (NLT)

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Sitting with three coworkers recently in a planning session, we agreed on how tired we are and how much we need rest and restoration. Our family is now several time zones away and I to stop and think what day it is when I need to know. 

We walk past a mother dove each day. She hops around pretending to have a broken wing. She is drawing us, and all other predators, away from her baby birds who spend two days on the ground before flying away. Father dove sits on the edge of the roof above keeping watch over the proceedings. 

Their vigilance becomes companionship when the youngsters fly away. Roles change while relationships endure. 

The mountain to our east hides the morning sun long after its rays illumine morning skies. Any moment now, the full body of the sun will steadily ascend to its rightful space high above mountains and birds, those who love its arrival, and those who pull the covers a little higher over their eyes. 

Watching the waves crest and crash, hearing their pounding upon the shore, viewing the waxing brilliance of sunlight making palm trees shine and water deepen into darkest blue, this is what I needed during our staff conversation a few days ago. Interlude has arrived, and it is good, very good indeed.

Soon, we will head out for a morning hike. We will move at the leisurely pace of two tiny tots. Everything is a wonder for one of them. Everything is laughter awaiting expression to the other. Slower and shorter steps are thereby called for and repeated until one of us is too tired to go any farther. 

To the wilderness we go today. We will climb. We will see what we have never seen. We will enjoy togetherness leading to memories lasting several lifetimes.

King David’s prayer is fulfilled once more.

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I will enter the quiet wilderness for rest and restoration.

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Our Father, you created a beautiful world. Empower us to embrace it, enjoy it, and play in it today. May laughter fill the air. May joy fill our hearts. May we be rekindled to burn with your eternal flame of light, life, and love. Amen.