Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. (Psalm 127: 1-2)

Without a relationship - really a partnership - with God all is emptiness. The vanity of this psalm is less about pride and more about emptiness and absense.

We are creators. But unless we create in a manner coherent with our original purposes, our creations will be empty of meaning.

No amount of work or worry can fill this emptiness. But love can fill it to overflowing.

An alternative translation of verse 2 reads, "for he gives to his beloved even in sleep."

When alone no amount of painful effort can achieve the wholeness we seek. In loving relationship with God much can be achieved even in effortless sleep.

Above is a photograph by Evren Sahin entitled Daydreaming.