Q. Life is too busy. We are constantly under
time pressure to get chores done, go some where, and do something. I yearn for time alone, time to unwind and
time to enjoy my family. We seem to only achieve rest and relief while on
vacation. How can we lessen our busyness and stress?
A. “I’m too busy” seems to be a universal
refrain in today’s world. We’re so overwhelmed by the demands and activities of
each day that life doesn’t feel easy, pleasant or peaceful. We long to be calm
and serene like Mary but we’re more like busy Martha. Some people even take
pride in busyness, perhaps feeling important because of it. Our society pushes
and pressures us in this direction and has convinced us that “down time” is
wasted. But is it?
If we are spending our days in frantic effort
with no time to for rest, joy, serenity, or even fun - what are our
priorities? Have we lost sight of what is most important in life?
Wayne Muller, in his book Sabbath: Remembering the Sacred Rhythm of Rest and Delight,
suggests we have forgotten the Sabbath. The Hebrew word for Sabbath is “Shabbat”
and means to stop, to rest. Most faiths prescribe some period of time each week
dedicated to worship, singing, giving thanks, sharing meals and resting. It’s a
time for being nurtured and renewed. It’s a time to let go of work and
responsibilities. It's time to seek the peace of God.
Mueller suggests that “rest is not just a
psychological convenience; it is a spiritual and biological necessity.” If
we’re sleep deprived and exhausted we’re not effective in any area of our life.
Rest enables us to meet the demands of life with joy and ease and this improves
our effectiveness in our work as well as in our relationships.
We don’t want to return to the legalistic or
routine keeping of the Sabbath as our parents or grandparents observed it, but
we can make the decision to find time for rest and for prayer. Our Sabbath rest can be an hour,
an afternoon or a holy day. Many other activities will tempt you from your
plan. Modern life seduces us away from Sabbath rest if we let it.
Here are some ways to create Sabbath rest.
1. Reevaluate your beliefs and goals. Talk over
with your family how you will make time for Sabbath rest. List the values you
follow and the ones you would like to follow. Share these with your family. Change
your activity schedule based on these values.
2. Give thanks before meals. This can be a
meaningful time of connection for the whole family. You can also give thanks
when you first wake up in the morning before you even get out of bed and at
night before you fall asleep. Prayer and thanksgiving are restful activities
that remind us of our blessings and connect us with Almighty God.
3. Pause during the day, take three deep breaths
and pray or meditate. Tie this to some regular activity such as every time you stand
up or sit down.
4. Pamper yourself. Take a nap or a leisurely
bath. Both are good for your health. You don’t have to feel guilty about
relaxing.
5. Turn off the TV and the telephone during
dinner. Create a regular period of uninterrupted time with your family and with
yourself.
6. Take
time for worship on a regular basis. It will restore your soul.
One of my favorite hymns says: “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the
heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.“
When we draw near to God he draws near to us.
“Come
to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and
you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
Blessings, Dottie
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