The plow may have been the first invention that propelled society into our modern era of efficiency. This one advancement broke ground for virtually every convenience we now take for granted. Our day-to-day chores require a tiny fraction of the time and energy they required of our great-grandparents.

The computers I use at home and work (would it put off 95 percent of the readers to know I use a Macintosh?) run faster calculations than rooms full of computers did 30 years ago. I remember a Boy Scout tour we took at Univac. A machine the size of a walk-in freezer could match wits in a game of tic-tac-toe--not so staggering, now that it can be matched on the scale of a Happy Meal toy.

Ironically our technological conveniences were designed to save time, the one thing no one seems able to spare.

Two aspects of modern society are counterproductive to a wholesome spirit of relating with others. Haste is the nagging urge to get ahead. Clutter includes all the distractions that block clear vision.

Busyness is really self-serving. The rush to compete, to accumulate and to check off endless tasks are attempts to take control. They are rarely calculated to understand, honor and bond with others.

We live in a barrage of unprecedented, constant distractions. Commercials that used to pitch a minute are now rarely over 15 seconds. And those seconds are filled with in-your-face images, flashing past in rapid succession. In contrast to life, TV conflicts are resolved in 30 to 60 minute episodes.

It is in moments of calm that we can hear the quiet promptings of the Spirit. God says to "Be still" to know Him. It is also in calmness that we nurture deeper roots in our relationships. Like plants, the fruit of growing love requires tender patience.

The things in life that are most worthwhile all take time. Human bonds, family cohesiveness, mature wisdom, character and spiritual growth require serenity in the pursuit of faithful inevitability.

In "O Little Town of Bethlehem," a touching line says, "How silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven." I hope you'll take some time away from the stress of the holidays and throughout the year to enjoy "peace on earth, good will to men."

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