Rest

 Text: Matthew 11:28-30

Theme: Rest as an intentional act of discipleship

Reflection:
I suspect that I am not the only one who finds excitement for a long weekend-- there is so much "non work" work I can complete with an extra day away from regular work! Anyone else? 

On this Labor Day, I didn't do much of anything. As a family, we stayed home, and for most of the day stayed inside. If given a choice, we would have probably gone to a friends house, or to visit family, or to get a number of things done around the house. Sitting around was not on our top choice!

The act of intentionally resting seems to be one that is far-flung, or at best, a challenging, yet attainable goal. I know too many people (myself included) who go and go and go, each and every day. There is too much to do, and not near enough time to get it done. There is always a project waiting to be done, or just a few things to clean up (sorry Melissa, those piles just appear out of nowhere).

This weekend, I thought a lot about what it means to take rest. In the story of creation, we hear of God's rhythm of rest after each day of creation. In the 10 Commandments, we hear of God's law that reminds, and instructs us mere mortals to rest. In the gospels, we read of Jesus finding opportunities to "get away," and spend quiet time in prayer. 

If we are to be Biblical people, why do we find the specific practice of resting so challenging? What is it about life that prevents us from taking that intentional time? 

My suspicion is that we are so hard-wired to achieve, that resting seems like a misuse of time and energy. If we are to be "the best," we have to put in as much time and energy as we possibly can! We try to earn favor based on our merit, and we certainly don't want to be seen as a slacker! But this drive towards work makes the reconciling gospel of Christ that much more amazing. 

God doesn't measure our works and love us accordingly. God loves us, and wants our works to reflect that love. The Creator took time to rest, and the Creator invites us into a time of rest. This is gift that comes from God, but one that we often overlook.  

As we enter into this fall season, I want to encourage me (and you, too, of course) to find time each week to rest. What better time to establish a new habit of resting, than after the Labor Day holiday. 

Questions:
1) Do you find it difficult to rest on weekly basis? Why? Why not? 
2) Why is resting so hard to do these days? Or is it not that hard for you? 
3) Think of the last time you spent a day of rest; what did you do? How did it impact the days that followed? 

Prayer: Holy God-  thank you for you inviting us to rest, so that our hearts, heads, and hands may be restored. In our resting, settle our whole bodies, so that we may experience you in the stillness of this world. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.  

Song: ELW #422, For All the Saints

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