AS I write, I am on a train – the ‘Coast Starlight’ to be precise – making my way from San Francsico to Los Angeles.

It’s a beautiful experience, passing San Francisco Bay, lakes, vast fields of garlic, asparagus, lettuces, pumpkins and vines, as well, of course, as the long stretch right at the edge of the Pacific Coast.

These trains haven’t gained notoriety for their speed and they trundle along quite merrily at 50mph max – often slower – and with frequent “pauses” (the train I caught from Chicago to San Francisco was eight hours late!) They are far from efficient but this apparent weakness allows us actually to see things, to take things in and to reflect upon them.

Lord, help me to sacrifice efficiency from time to time so that I may see the beauty of your creation, smell the roses, and notice You.