By Kelly Wahlquist and Teresa Tomeo

“Be still and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations I am exalted in the earth!” ~ Psalm 46:10

“Be still and do nothing.” That is what we tell our WINE & Shrine pilgrims to do in Italy. It might seem like a strange thing to suggest when traveling to a country overflowing with stunning churches, museums, piazzas, and other places of interest, but it’s not weird at all. In Italy, being still is a way of life.

Italians excel at the “sweet art of doing nothing” (la dolce far niente). They don’t rush through meals. There is always time to take a break in the middle of the day, and doing nothing is actually doing something very important. It gives one time to relax and to reflect.

One of the premier places in Rome for “doing nothing” is the old section of Trastevere, which translated means “along the Tiber River.” This area of the Eternal City is a favorite stop on our pilgrimages. Filled with quaint cobblestone streets, lovely courtyards, terra-cotta rooftops, and relaxing coffee shops and wine bars, Trastevere is the perfect place to be still and take in the surroundings.

Embracing the sweetness of doing nothing gives us time to thank God for all the blessings surrounding us. The Psalmist sings, “Be still, and know I am God.” It is in this stillness that we can come to know the Lord. When we slow down and quiet our hearts, we recognize His immeasurable love for us. Spending quiet time with the Lord helps us know His heart and better imitate Him, and that’s what we are all called to do: to imitate the Lord—to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. And there’s nothing sweeter than that!

Prayer:

Lord, help me quiet my heart today. Teach me to be still and to know that You are God. Amen.

Call to Action:

Take a moment to practice the sweet art of doing nothing, and thank God for the blessings that surround you.

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