Working from rest, not for.....
Is our idea of rest doing more harm then good?
Whilst writing this, I’m at the airport coming back from my first solo holiday (can watch here) just before my birthday. I always thought I’d probably do a solo trip when I’m like 24, but 4 days ago I spontaneously booked it (I’m liking this “softlife” thing.) Part of why I didn’t think I would go on one of these trips until I’m older is because I intrinsically felt, so far, I hadn’t done enough to warrant such a “reward.” I’m being honest. That, and the idea of traveling alone was quite nerve-wracking but more of the former than the latter. But this begs the question: what is “‘enough”? Does one need to earn rest? Is rest really a reward?
I almost have to force myself to remember that rest isn’t deserved. Deserve implies earned after an effort, or only worthy after “doing”. Rest is imperative to live the fulfilled life that you desire. This constant feeling that I can only rest, after I successfully achieve something has proven more detrimental than beneficial. I found myself in an unremitting pursuit of finding more to do, only then could I “gain admission” to rest. Admittedly, I felt somewhat motivated to reach completion on whatever I was working on. In hindsight, the standard of the final products were far below the potential I could have attained out of a place of rest. Worse, unknowingly succumbing to the ‘rat race’ cultivated further toxic thoughts.
“sleep is for the rich” “The grind don’t stop” “‘whilst you were sleeping, I was …”
Subconsciously phrases like this Influenced my outlook on rest and it probably has influenced yours too. Not only did such ideology reinforce toxic thought in terms of my value, but also it presented rest as inferior. We’re dying for cash (and other things.) We have made a false correlation between success and the need for rest. Rest is not a reward, it's a necessity.
Rest is a necessity.
Living this life “‘poured out'' is a lot harder when you’re not drawing from anywhere. How can one give what he does not have? Or pour from what’s not filled? As important as pouring out is, it’s just as important to be filled. Sleep alone doesn’t constitute rest. We can sleep all day and still feel tired. Rest is going back to the place you draw strength from. For believers that’s finding rest in God, abiding. Rest is communion with God, going back to the well for strength. A beautiful image comes to mind of a person working by a stream constantly drawing from its endless supply, a place where they’re able to be all they’re meant to be and do all they’re meant to do without burning out. Why? Because they’re drawing from a power that’s greater than their own that provides the rest and energy needed to keep going. The image is informed by Matthew 11:28-30 where Christ promises rest to people, those who are burdened. Rest is being in a position in the presence where you know there’s strength to fulfil your God-given impressions, not a strength of your own but one from an endless storehouse. There’s a peace that’s attached, that un-worries you from all you feel you need to do and achieve.
Prior to beginning to understand these things, why was rest so foreign to me. Could it be that my overachieving, relentless drive could prove to be my hamartia, always feeling to do more. Or was it that moving with the grain of society (particularly one where success almost directly correlates with busyness) pushed me into a direction where rest seemed a distasteful use of time. Whatever the reason was, I know it wasn’t just me with such an outlook. Logically this restless way of life doesn’t make sense. Our natural disposition and physiological make up is intelligently designed, for periods of work then rest. As people we experience diminishing returns, when we work past our optima.
Thought: Maybe we should be “Working from rest, not for rest.” Imagine how much more productive, innovative and creative we would be if we drew our energy from a place of rest. By abiding in the abundance of the one who gives rest, we’re restored to work at our fullest.
So what’s the ask?
A weekly day of rest. Just one day where we “let our souls catch up to our bodies”.
Thanks for reading. Comment any thoughts you have.
NYA’s Directory
Here’s where I put readers onto useful content that I’ve come across recently:
Yeah, this is it!
This was soo good!!