There�s something humbling about a vast star-filled prairie sky, the Pacific Ocean breaking against a rocky coastline, and the mountains of Colorado. 

Like today�s readings, they remind us of the power and majesty of God�s creation and can cause us to ponder the significance of our lives.  Are we �little less than the angels� with dominion over the wild beasts, or just a small part of God�s very large plan or both? 

Contemplating these root questions leads us to the central message that Jesus teaches in today�s Gospel.  Do we focus so much on trivial and transitory demands (rules/requirements) that we  �disregard God�s commandment and cling to what is human tradition?� 

It�s a matter of keeping things in perspective � of developing an overriding sense of how God wants us to live. 

Sometimes when I�m bogged down in checking off items on a seemingly endless �to do� list, it helps to take 10 minutes to think about what I�d like my obituary to say.  Not one version has led with �attended committee meetings,� �kept her house spotless� or �was a fabulous cook.� 

I strongly suspect that God�s priorities for our lives have more to do with taking time to be kind to others and even (or especially) to ourselves.  Perhaps the most important line in today�s passage from Genesis is �so God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation.�

This reminds us that God�s plan for our lives mandates time to rest, and time to think � time to become holy BY getting in touch with Him and our deeper selves. 

So go to the ocean or mountains or a place where you can see the stars or take a walk around your block and enjoy the flora and fauna that God gave us dominion over.  Get in touch with God and yourself even if it means �neglecting� or delaying something you think you should do.

Five years from now, will anyone care if you finished every item on your �to do� list on time?