What Does Holy Week Teach Us About Rest?
It’s Holy Week here in the States.
The week in the Christian calendar, between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
A time that Christians honor the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.
There is time for loads of food, family and fun. And there is time for prayer and reflection. No work… pure rest.
It got me thinking about the demands of our constantly “on” culture. Society demands from us a 24/7 life. And yet, Christians and Jews are called to a 24/6 life.
Both religions share the commandment to honor the Sabbath…to stop, to rest.
I believe God rested on the seventh day to show us that what we create becomes meaningful only when we stop creating it and think about WHY we created it in the first place.
The Sabbath traditionally, is a time that’s not crowded out by technology, shopping and running errands.
It’s been compared to the space between notes so that music doesn’t sound like mere noise.
We would not have song if it weren’t for the rest.
The pause is what adds meaning to life.
We need to listen closely to what our life is telling us. And the best way to do that is to sit still, breathe and reflect.
Do you give yourself that time?
I urge you to set aside time this week to pause. Give yourself time for concentrated rest, to create meaning out of all the doing.
Schedule rest on your calendar.
Choose to engage in an intentional pause for 15 minutes before your day gets rolling.
Set the timer for 20 minutes of solitude, to wind down at the end of your work day, as a bookend for work before you begin family time.
Honor the true Sabbath and unplug from all distractions, for one full day, and focus on what’s truly important to you.
Because isn’t that the life you’re wanting, after all?
You… spending time on the people, things and causes that are most important.
That’s what I call living fully balanced.
And it’s only a pause away.
My hope is that you pause, reflect and rest, knowing you have produced enough.
Know that you’ve done enough.
You are enough.
Hugs to you,
Lisa
P.S. If you know pausing is important, but you have no idea how you’re going to do it with all that’s on your plate, then let’s connect. My sweet spot is listening to your unique story and customizing a plan that’s just right for you.