Recently, while on a trip in the States, I was asked why I was on sabbatical. More specifically, this person wanted to know what I was resting from. I believe my answer was a quick and blunt, "from my life".
It seems that in these brief months of un-winding & un-doing my filter has been completely undone. It's not until the conversation has ended that I find myself in a state of reflection and in utter amazement (and sometimes embarrassment) of the words that so freely and subconsciously left my mouth. My spiritual director on the other hand finds this to be a mark of success; a verbal manifestation of vulnerability.
Nevertheless, I know this question of my sabbatical stay came from a place of sincerity. A place of genuine inquiry. And so, I went on to explain my purpose in engaging in this ancient practice. You'd think that as many times as I've been invited to share this part of my story I would have already constructed an eloquent elevator speech ready to give at a moment's notice. Instead, I find myself stumbling through the reasons leading up to this journey and trying to weave them together with a sound rationale; as if I am on the stand and in need of forming a defense!
"Why?" I ask myself. "Why is it that my body gets tense when I hear those words? Why is it that as soon as that question is asked I start to mentally construct a slide show and get ready to present? Why is that?"
One might assume that the reason is because those asking the question don’t understand this concept of sabbatical or Sabbath. That they are a people that do not know the Lord of the Sabbath, but in fact they do. They are people who know him quite well. A people just like myself who have known this Lord, this King, for quite some time and still do not know His ways.
For years I have struggled with the notion or rest. My first experiment with rest was with the discipline of Sabbath. The hardest thing that I spent years trying to do was to not work. Who would think something so inviting, such a beautiful gift, would be so hard to accept and then enjoy?! I spent well over a year just trying to lay down my tools. After, I was able to cease from the task and joy of working and creating I was able to intentionally partake in the activities that refueled and refreshed me mind, body, and soul. I think its important to note that one ought not be fooled by the word rest. It does not mean cease all activity and sit silently in a room and pray all day nor does not mean being chained to the confines of your cell. It is about intentional and active engagement with the people and in the things and places that bring you life.
Is rest not a gift of grace and not of merit? Is rest not an invitation to drink deeply and eat until satisfied? Is rest not a command to have life to the full?
As Christian Americans we pride ourselves in obediently observing the command to work, but some where along the line we’ve forsaken the command to rest. I believe this is because deeply embedded in our belief system is the falsehood that even rest has to be earned. A belief that doesn’t come from Christ but from our culture.
It reminds me of Paul's words to the roman church, words that I believe need to be heeded by us, the American church, as well. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect".
This Divine idea of rest isn’t for a select few, but for everyone. Rest is...not just those that do physical labor, not just those who are professional churchmen or women, not just those serve the poorest of the poor, not just those type a-personalities, not just those who have served as cross-cultural workers, and is not just for those who are emotionally or spiritually burnt out.
It’s these faulty assumptions that deny us the permission we all need to rest.
It’s these lies that keep us from accepting the invitation and gift that our creator extends to us over and over again to rest.
And he said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
In being transformed by the renewing of our minds we must remember, we have already been given permission, Divine authority, to rest. And it is not only our God-given right, but also our responsibility. It is a practice that we are invited and instructed to make a permanent part of our lives, regardless of circumstance.
And so, as I rest on my Sabbath day I encourage you to do the same. Maybe today isn’t your Sabbath, and that’s ok. Maybe you don’t have one, choose one. And if you are anything like me it would do you good to define what your work is. Once you’ve determined what constitutes work, then you are free to engage in any of the activities or projects outside of that box that will contribute to the rest of your soul. Rest well.
