Autumn in upstate NY is probably the most beautiful season of the year. Leaves change from green to vibrant reds, golds and orange. Nature paints unique masterpieces in ordinary backyards. These gorgeous scenes are signals about the coming weather. I dread this time of year. September is an unwelcomed guest. A guest, you know is coming but you secretly hoped would get the flu or their flight would be delayed, forever. Well, that does not happen.
Every September, since I was 23, I take time to evaluate my life. Am I happy?, Are the people in my life good for me? Am I a good friend? do I working too much? Do I pray enough? Am I using my creative spirit? I try to combing through all the hidden parts of me. Sometimes, I can delay my personal inspection for a month or two but that is it. I do this to make my life richer and to minimize regret. I don’t enjoy it.
This year, after I wrangled over my life. I quit a job that I worked hard to get, pulled strings, asked favors and I got what I asked for. I knew the job would be hard work and that I would sacrifice a part of my life but I never backed down because something is hard.
Slowly, began to realize that I was working too much. I didn’t have time or energy for the things I enjoy… knitting, gardening, cooking or spending time with my family and friends. I didn’t have a Sabbath day. I was lost in the work and pursuit of money. I was neglecting myself, my family, my friends and my Faith. So I quit. I needed rest.
In the creation story, we are told that after God created - God rested. We all know this story and barely need to think very hard to remember the details. But when we get to God rested, we gloss over it. Think about it, God stopped. At that moment, God created something else a blessing that requires us to do nothing. God created rest. We are supposed to work and then take time to rest. God’s blessing allows us to stop and smell the roses and enjoy life. Recover from the stress and burden of your lives. Taking time to allow yourself to rest is work. It is untrue that you are doing nothing when you rest. When you rest you are accepting God’s blessing. God thought rest was so important that it is one of the Ten Commandments—“Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy”.
Take a break from the news of the day, leave your email unchecked for a day or put your phone on the kitchen counter while you are at church(or anywhere). Listen to music, pray, Color in a coloring book, draw or watch birds at the park. Making time for rest and renewal is something we should take seriously. Rest allows us to recharge our bodies and your minds, recommit to our passions, recover energy for work and play. Rest heals us, mentally and physically. Create your own version of rest. Make it a habit. On your next day off, allow the blessing of rest soak deep into your bones and into your soul.
Peace Laura Hood
Every September, since I was 23, I take time to evaluate my life. Am I happy?, Are the people in my life good for me? Am I a good friend? do I working too much? Do I pray enough? Am I using my creative spirit? I try to combing through all the hidden parts of me. Sometimes, I can delay my personal inspection for a month or two but that is it. I do this to make my life richer and to minimize regret. I don’t enjoy it.
This year, after I wrangled over my life. I quit a job that I worked hard to get, pulled strings, asked favors and I got what I asked for. I knew the job would be hard work and that I would sacrifice a part of my life but I never backed down because something is hard.
Slowly, began to realize that I was working too much. I didn’t have time or energy for the things I enjoy… knitting, gardening, cooking or spending time with my family and friends. I didn’t have a Sabbath day. I was lost in the work and pursuit of money. I was neglecting myself, my family, my friends and my Faith. So I quit. I needed rest.
In the creation story, we are told that after God created - God rested. We all know this story and barely need to think very hard to remember the details. But when we get to God rested, we gloss over it. Think about it, God stopped. At that moment, God created something else a blessing that requires us to do nothing. God created rest. We are supposed to work and then take time to rest. God’s blessing allows us to stop and smell the roses and enjoy life. Recover from the stress and burden of your lives. Taking time to allow yourself to rest is work. It is untrue that you are doing nothing when you rest. When you rest you are accepting God’s blessing. God thought rest was so important that it is one of the Ten Commandments—“Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy”.
Take a break from the news of the day, leave your email unchecked for a day or put your phone on the kitchen counter while you are at church(or anywhere). Listen to music, pray, Color in a coloring book, draw or watch birds at the park. Making time for rest and renewal is something we should take seriously. Rest allows us to recharge our bodies and your minds, recommit to our passions, recover energy for work and play. Rest heals us, mentally and physically. Create your own version of rest. Make it a habit. On your next day off, allow the blessing of rest soak deep into your bones and into your soul.
Peace Laura Hood
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