Good leisure is a balancing act

“'Be still' or 'have leisure' addresses the freedom from activity or work, and 'know that I am God' suggests a response, a freedom to pursue God." — Dr. Connally

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"  — Psalm 46:10

I think most of us are quite familiar with the first part of this verse. A few years ago, I reviewed my friend and colleague Dr. Paul Heintzman’s Leisure and Spirituality. He discussed this familiar verse as referenced in the Septuagint, an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The verse begins as “Have leisure and know that I am God.” This certainly resonates with those of us who teach in the field of recreation and leisure.

Leisure is a term that has academically nuanced definitions centering around unobligated time. My favorite composite definition involves the notions of “freedom from” and “freedom to." In the secular sense, it would be freedom from work or other obligations, giving one freedom to do that which brings intrinsic satisfaction. If we look back at the psalm, we see both mentioned. “Be still” or “have leisure” addresses the freedom from activity or work, and “know that I am God” suggests a response, a freedom to pursue God.

As we head into summer, I pray you will experience this type of leisure. I hope you are able to disengage from work obligations. I hope you will make time for some inactivity, which is perfectly acceptable leisure. May your leisure also include activities that create family memories, that improve your fitness, and that connect you to God through His Creation. Good leisure is a balancing act between freedom from, and freedom to. “Have leisure and know that I am God.”

Dale Connally, PhD

Chair and Professor
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation