A lost art?

“Work is not always required of a man. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.” George Macdonald 1824 – 1905)

I wonder what he would think of modern society?

I notice it most on my walks when, awestruck, I stand and gaze enthralled at some spectacular aspect, the light through the trees, reflections in the water, tall, pale grasses against the sky, vibrant autumn leaves, dewdrops on a web. On and on my list goes, without limit, any time, any weather, such wonders lie about us if we will only stop and ponder. I watch others, blinkered, pass them by. Joggers, minds set on goal fulfilments, earphones crowding out the sounds of nature, women endlessly chatting, engrossed with each other, couples whose eyes turn upon each other. Only dog walkers pause to look sometimes, trapped by their canine associates, whose world revolves on scents and smells.

We rush to accomplish and neglect to be.