Remember to Rest

It is important to take the time to move body and soul. — L.L. Barkat, Rumors of Water

I am not a person who likes to sit still, or, rather, I am not a person who likes to sit still without reason. Good conversation, yes; a dumb (or even a quality) movie with my brothers, yes; a rambling discourse, no; a good book, again, yes. These quieter moments are good, essential. They revive my heart.

In some instances, they also restore my mind and soul, an even more important facet of rest. If I don’t reconnect with the Creator regularly, I and my work suffer. I sputter out. A flame needs oxygen to remain alight. In the same way, I require spiritual breath to stay alight, alive.

It’s not easy to pursue spiritual oxygen. I’m more like Martha who thinks my time is better served pottering around the kitchen. I fail to see, or forget, the importance of sitting at Jesus’ feet, resting my head against His knee.

It’s only when I sit that I remember how much joy and freedom is found in sitting. I don’t have to do anything. I can just be. I am accepted as I am with all my worries and obsessions and silliness. The mask drops. I forget about gold stars and being liked. I’m already perfectly liked, perfectly loved, and perfectly approved.

This sort of sitting moves my soul. It prepares me for the week ahead. It gives me something to rest upon and to look forward to, so I come again and again and again. I keep reminding myself to remember to rest.

Image: Oliver Kendal (Creative Commons)