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? Can New Year
Resolutions help along this line?
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 for rest, joy, serenity, or even fun - what are our
priorities? Have we lost sight of what
we want in life? Have we lost sight of what God wants for us in life, as well? New Year Resolutions or plans along this line are in order.
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.
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. 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 values 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 of a power greater than us.
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
