According to one creation story, on the seventh day, the Creator rested. But was God tired—or was rest itself part of the plan? Drawing on biblical tradition, contemporary neuroscience, the writings of Harvard’s Arthur C. Brooks, and even the music of blues legends Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, we’ll explore the spiritual and psychological value of time spent doing nothing “useful.” Through three recurring themes—pattern, play, and pause—we’ll consider why repetitive activities can be soothing, why adults need to play, and why our brains may actually benefit from boredom. 

The Rev. Paula Morton is Rector Emeritus of Transfiguration Episcopal Church in Saluda, NC. She is also the wife of a fellow priest, mother of twins, companion to a hyperactive sheepadoodle, and a lifelong, passionate pursuer of play. As children, she and her brother spent countless hours building Matchbox Car-sized roads, tunnels, and bridges into a red clay bank behind their home in rural North Carolina. Their elaborate roadways intertwined and led absolutely nowhere, but were delightful all the same.

The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be available on Facebook Live. To participate remotely, go to the ASWUU Facebook page and click the Live link.