In Rev. Carmen’s sermon from this past Sunday, she lifted up “rest” as a God value. During a busy week when the disciples didn’t even have time to eat, Jesus said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) Rev. Carmen then spoke of “the importance of being and not just doing” and “the gift of rest.” I want to amplify her message to you. God has placed each of us in a place and time, each of us with unique gifts of the spirit. We are invited by God to work in His vineyard and to bear fruit. Our Protestant work-ethic keeps us busy with lists of things to do: at work, for our family, keeping house, and serving our communities. That is all good. But God also models rest for us and has commanded us to take rest.
Somehow, I have arrived at the end of July and I have only gotten in my pool once. I have not spent much time on my porch. I feel as if summer is slipping away. How is that possible? I began to type up what I have been up to, but I realized that isn’t necessary. We are all busy. We all are guilty of rushing around and letting time slip by.
What I don’t want us to let slip by is the special beauty of summer. It is a gift to us. Take time to sit in the shade with a tall glass of iced tea to watch the butterflies and dragonflies. Their life is brief, and they seem to delight in their flight and in the flowers. We can delight with them. Our busyness can distract from our time with God. We don’t think of the briefness of our own lives as we focus on work, packing (and unpacking) for vacation, or ticking off the boxes on our to-do list. Busyness can mask our fears about life, death, and the future. It can keep us from leaning into our relationships with others.
I want to offer a prayer from Psalm 46:10 as a breath practice you can use to help center yourself and find some rest, whether for a few minutes at your desk or while sitting in a happy summer spot such as your porch. (Instructions copied from The Gravity Center )
Instruction:
1) Find a quiet place, gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Prepare to pray the Psalm in 5 consecutively diminishing sentences.
2) Either aloud or quietly to yourself, say the words, “Be still and know that I am God.”
3) After a couple deep breaths, pray, “Be still and know that I am.”
4) After a couple deep breaths, pray “Be still and know.”
5) After a couple deep breaths, pray, “Be still.”
6) After a couple deep breaths, pray, “Be.”
7) When ready, pray, “Amen.”
Let God’s loving power help you find rest this summer and in each of the beautiful North Carolina seasons.