WORKING with local schools I know that they are always busy places but with activity weeks, leavers’ services, school concerts and the summer holidays approaching, July is an especially eventful time.

I recently heard a story that made think about how, in our society, taking the time to stop has become more important than ever.

In a busy Washington DC train station, a musician with a violin plays Bach.

After three minutes a man notices the musician playing.

He stops for a few seconds before hurrying to meet his schedule.

Four minutes later the violinist received his first dollar: a woman throws the money in the hat and, without stopping, continues to walk.

Ten minutes pass and a three-year old boy stops but his mother tugs him along hurriedly.

The child stops to look at the violinist again but the mother pushes hard and the child continues to walk, turning his head all the time.

This action is repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forces their children to move on quickly.

Then 45 minutes goes by during which the musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $21.

After an hour he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.

He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth £2.3 million. Joshua Bell played incognito in the Metro Station as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and people's priorities.

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: if we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made... how many other things are we missing?

Do we recognise the beauty and wonder God has woven into the world around us?

Do we stop to appreciate it?

Do we take it for granted and pass it by?

Perhaps over the summer, as many take the opportunity a break, we can all find the time to stop and consider what it is we may be missing.