September Slow Down

 

The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.  Mark 6:31 (The Message)

 

What is your response to Jesus’ invitation to rest?  I am a Type A person who deeply desires to be needed and necessary, and I can twitch when I stop (or I end up falling asleep for a nap because of exhaustion).  To be refreshed and renewed with Christ is an invitation for us all.  And I know that Protestant Work ethic tyrant who lives in your brain says, “Humph, must be nice to rest when there are people who are working five jobs today!  Why should I rest?”  Our minds can be our own worst enemies when it comes to relaxing into God’s presence.  Our cultural aversion to being seen as “lazy” has led us to be addicted to hurry, and this is fed by the fact that your phone is now an appendage you can never be without.  I still remember when the phone hung on the wall in our home.  If it rang, you were not home, you wouldn’t know.  Then, of course, came the answer machine, pagers, and early handheld devices that are now causing us to all feel like we never get to rest.

 

Imagine, not just silencing your phone, but powering it down.  I see the cold sweat breaking out on your forehead!  Why do we let our human-made devices dictate our day and make demands on us more than Jesus’s savory pace? 

 

I encourage you to answer this question.  I know it makes me uncomfortable!  What if someone needs me?!?  They might have to leave a message.  They might have to wait upwards of half an hour while I pray or breathe or remember that grace is opposed to earning (it is unconditional).   Hold this tension.  As always, if you’d like to talk, let me know.  May the Sacred who calls the seventh day holy and for a ceasing of work get a word in edgewise to our chaotic world and souls this day.  Amen.