Meditation

Read Psalm 121:1-8                                     —Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV)

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord. 

My announcement of “Brain break!” always brings relief and joy to my students. As a teacher, I have found that 13-year-olds are unable to sit through 70 minutes of even my most engaging science lessons. They need a break! A two-minute brain break gives them the opportunity to get out of their seats, stretch or walk across the classroom to chat briefly with a friend. When we begin class again, the students are relaxed, refreshed and ready to learn more.

I have found that a brain break can also provide me with some much-needed relief during a long, stressful day. I can give myself a few minutes of peace by moving to a quiet place where I can pray, read a passage of scripture or simply rest in God’s comforting presence.

A couple of minutes alone with God in the middle of a hectic day might be enough to help us feel spiritually restored, physically revitalized, and ready to move on. When we feel stressed and overwhelmed, we can take a brain break—some time apart with God. 

Prayer—Thank you God, for the peace and comfort you bring us even on our most stressful days. Amen.

Thought for the Day—Spending time with God can bring me peace.

Jill Allen Maisch (Maryland)