Rest - Denise Rhodes
In recent months I have been preparing for a 4-month sabbatical from the non for profit I work for. In preparation for this I have been reflecting on what will look like and what I want it to achieve. A significant aim is to come away feeling rested – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Wikipedia defines a sabbatical as “a rest or break from work.” Ironically for me, this has been a very busy period – booking flights, train tickets, hotel rooms, communicating with my hosts, emailing my travel agent, sorting travel insurance and working through a to do list which never seems to get shorter. It’s been busy, busy, busy. As you have probably guessed some of the sabbatical will be spent travelling. But there will also be times of intentional physical rest, personal reflection and time with God, which I know I am looking forward to.
In today’s world rest tends to be undervalued. When asked how we are, we often say “I’ve been busy” as though it’s something to be proud of, which defines our identity. We seem to find it hard to really rest. Yet when we are continually without proper rest, we risk burnout and losing our way in life.
True rest is more than just sleep or physical inactivity. A book I have been reading recently titled “Buy a cabin: the theology and practice of rest” by Robert L Franck, defines rest as “activities that refresh you after you work.” So, rest could include activities we enjoy, such as gardening, walking, singing, reading or pursuing hobbies. Anything that rejuvenates us. It will be different for everyone. Did you know that one of the ways Winston Churchill rested was to make bricks? With all his responsibilities, including writing, he needed the physical exercise that brick making provided, to achieve the rest he needed.
In the Bible we have the example of Jesus who modelled rest during His ministry. He often withdrew from crowds to pray and recharge (Mark 6:31), reminding us that even in service, rest is vital. In Matthew 11:28, he gives this invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (New Kings James Vesion). This promise speaks not only about physical rest but to the deep soul-rest found in having a relationship with him.
This type of rest sustains us during the trials that inevitably come. It brings freedom from striving to achieve, from worry and from doubt. Amongst the many pressures today including living up to others’ expectations, feelings of inadequacy, fears of many sorts and often guilt, we can find true rest when we turn away from our troubles, turn to Jesus and accept the rest he offers us.
Denise Rhodes
