Trusting and Resting--April 12
Today’s Readings
AM Psalm 16, 17, Exod. 17:1-16; 1 Pet. 4:7-19; John 16:16-33
Today’s Reflection
In this morning's passage from Exodus, I notice the twin mandates of rest and trust sit alongside one another. What is it like for you to give yourself space to rest? I was recently with a friend who retired a year ago. She said it took her that long to feel comfortable reading a book in the middle of the day. Since exercising her guilt-free right to a midday read, she is more creative and has more energy and patience in the latter part of her day.
What is like for you to trust God?
The Israelites had only been free from the Egyptians for a month and the complaint meter was registering in the red zone. God promised to provide manna each day, they were not to hoard from one day to the next. They were to trust that what they needed would be provided by God. Because the seventh day was a mandated day of rest, they were to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day. This encounter with God through Moses is when the concept of sabbath was introduced to the Israelites. The the theology behind and importance of sabbath is further developed in both the book of Exodus and Deuteronomy.
I wonder why rest and trust are yoked in this way. What do you imagine? I am aware that our world is a busy, busy place. We are encouraged to "work hard" which is not in itself a bad thing; feeling like we are contributing to society is a vital component of a flourishing life. Additionally, when we experience life's challenges we are rewarded for "pushing through." Again, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is wise to work hard or push through; sometimes it is toxic. How do we know the difference? Through discernment. In the Ignatian tradition, "discernment involves prayer and weighing facts and feelings about several good choices with ultimately leads to a choice about what is the best fir for an individual."
In a recent report published in the Human Resource Director, the United States ranks 196 of 197 countries for paid time off. Only Micronesians have less time off than we Americans. Clearly our culture privileges work over rest to an extreme degree. Perhaps this work, work, work, mode encourages an over-active sense of self-reliance." I work hard." "I can do it." As opposed to resting in and trusting in God to work through us. Might God be inviting us to a rhythm of rest and trust that brings us closer to God's vision for the world and less tied to our own?
It's just a thought--what do you think? As one of your priests, I would like to encourage you to take seriously God's command to sabbath rest--holy time for giving thanks for the gifts God has given us, for savoring, praying, laughing. Friday and Saturday the Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosts its annual plant sale. I plan to buy some beauities, grab the trowel, get my hands dirty and trust something new will grow. How will you rest and revel in your love of God?
Grace and Peace,
Mary Bea+
PS--Years ago I read Wayne Muller's Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight In Our Busy Lives. This book literally changed my life and understanding of what it means to honor God's invitation to holy rest.
Question for Self-Reflection:
What is your experience of sabbath rest? How might you embrace resting in God's love, trusting all will be well, and giving thanks to God?