Everyone's listening to something. The cords from the earbuds bring music from a hidden iPod. The radio goes on automatically when the car is started. Some listen to talk radio. Others have their favorite station with the kind of music they prefer. Then the audio books keep still others entertained or informed on the commute.

We don't have any quiet time. Either we can't find quiet time, or we don't want to find it and prefer to be always on the go. We get the kids to school, take them to practice or other activities, hurry off to work, pause to put meals on the table. We might just stand still long enough to get something into the microwave so we can go of to a meeting, an appointment, or the store. The television is on constantly, and the computer is close behind.

I wonder what we are putting into our heads. Our brains are always processing information even when we are frantically trying to take the next step on the activity treadmill. Music, entertainment, advertisements, news—information related to our lives, our jobs, or our recreation come from all sides. But it all doesn't go in one ear and out the other. It stops somewhere in between even if we don't realize it.

What are we putting into our heads? Someone once suggested that the information we receive is all an inch deep and a mile wide. Actually, that was said about the thin slices of theology we get with all the other information that enters our brains. I think it's true. Who takes time anymore to think? We seem programmed by our activities just to react. The distortions in logic and sense don't even bother us: "Buy this and take years off your life . . . Do this and be constantly happy and healthy . . . Save thousands . . . Become a millionaire." The distortions become part of the way we think—or rather don't think.

Some writers here would insert the need to stop and take in the beautiful things around us or the relationships we enjoy—stop and smell the roses. I'd agree. The beauty of the sunrise or sunset can do wonders for the spirit. So can the smiles from children, grandchildren, or friends. Thank God for all of it.

I want to suggest a deeper thought. We need to take time to listen to what God tells us in his Word. Our Christian life requires time to let the Holy Spirit grow our faith and deepen our understanding of God's boundless grace in Jesus. If we don't, we run the risk of having a shallow faith that has no root and withers in the heat of life's challenges.

God commanded his Old Testament people to set aside one day to rest. It seems to me that part of that day was time to think. I suggest we take some time—a Sabbath—to think and grow in our appreciation and understanding of what God has said and done for us—to think of Jesus and grow. To unplug and listen to God's message—the gospel.