"How can we keep a sense of sabbath about our work? We can pray our way in and pray our way out. We can mark the borders with a bow to God. Perhaps our prayers will have words. Perhaps they will simply be nods.
"These days I live in hotels more than I ever thought I would: hotels are part of work for me, as they are for many. I have even come to like them, in that they are sparse and clean and simple. I have learned to guard my going outs and my coming ins with little rituals to mark my take-offs and landings. Whenever I go into a hotel room, I nest by putting my things away, rather compulsively, in a similar pattern. Then, when my things are settled, I say, 'Hello, little house.' When I leave, I say, 'Goodbye, little house.' Do I feel silly doing and saying these things? Yes, a little bit. But I add to my hello and goodbye a thanks to God, who gives me shelter, both at home and away. I give thanks to God who keeps me safer than the security locks on any of my many doors ever could.
"In learning that I need these marks for my border crossings, I learned that I also need them at home. I need to nod to God when I leave my driveway, to give thanks for the road and for my journey on it. When I return to my driveway, I again nod to God and give thanks for the return from my journey. These little rituals give a proportion to my life, marking the variety and difference and nuances of my days. These nods to God tell me that my whole life is holy and that the holiness comes to me in different parts. These nods sabbath me. They bring the right size to me and my days."