As followers of The Hubbell Pew know, I believe the Sabbath is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity. Left to our own devices, it is in our nature to run full bore every single day. Yet, while worship is central to the morning, the remainder of the day grants us the grace to unplug. It is a time to admire creation, to play, to gather around a table for good food and fellowship, and—above all—to slow our pace.
I am a big proponent of dedicating a large part of this sacred day to simple reflection. By finding a quiet, peaceful space, we can allow our minds to wander and open our hearts to what God places before us. Sometimes, that means wrestling with weightier matters like national healthcare or political tribalism. Other times, it’s as simple as reflecting on your golf swing or your latest mahjong game.
I call this practice “pure thinking.” It’s the act of letting your brain idle without an agenda or a digital screen demanding your attention. When Suzy catches me in one of these moments and asks, “What are you doing?” I usually respond with a simple, “Just thinking.” My answer seldom satisfies her—it looks a lot like doing absolutely nothing—but it’s as close to the truth as I can come.
Ultimately, pure thinking is a restorative tonic for both mind and body. In a world that demands constant production, choosing to simply be is an act of faith. Please don’t discount this opportunity. Who among us would truly want to leave such a beautiful gift from God unopened?

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