Finding Rest In A Restless World — #RestBreak2016
Has the world gone ape? As I briefly re-connect to current events, apparently yes! Social media and news outlets are all a buzz. Human error, tragic consequences, blame affixed, anger ensues, harsh words, values questioned, news cycle continues. — And NO, I am not even talking about presidential politics, but a day at the Cincinnati Zoo gone terribly wrong.
And so I ask, can rest be found in an increasingly restless world? And what is true rest? In our overly connected, overly busy, overly driven world, rest has become a casualty, claiming many of us along the way. I confess, my success conditioned, “good to great” mindset can easily equate restfulness with laziness. I suspect I am not alone in this restless world.
Gandhi said, “There is more to life than merely increasing its speed.” And the exceedingly wise King Solomon wrote, “Better is one hand full of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6
As I continue to re-calibrate my priorities, and yes, rest — I am grateful for guides and friends like Dr. Deirdre LaNoue who along my path has gifted me with the respite of Sabbath (the practice and mindset) of rest. Also, wonderful authors like Wayne Muller and his book Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, that I am currently re-reading and highly recommend. He writes:
“When Moses becomes weary, leading his people through their trials in the desert, God tells him, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Jesus tells his disciples, Come to me all who toil and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For Moses as for Jesus, rest is a precious ointment, a balm for the heavy heart…Learn from me, he invited, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Just for today I am praying rest for my own soul, and rest for my family and many friends whom I love and treasure doing life with.
Peace and rest be with you,
Jim
PS – The painting is by Vincent Van Gogh and named Noon – Rest from Work (after Millet). I derive great peace from this painting and have it near my office desk and use it frequently as a screen saver, reminding me of the Sabbath (rest) rhythm I seek in this life.
