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home / Religion
Heavenly Views
Rev. Steve Foss
Monday, September 7, 2009
The vacation season has arrived and many Americans are spending their budgeted monies on get-a-ways. People are tired of the “mundane-ness” of life and the constant struggle to make the earnings necessary for one’s living expenses. Many, if not most, struggle through the rough seas of work to have one to two weeks a year of separation from that routine.
As a bi-vocational pastor, I see a lot of the secular side of life. My days are not hidden behind the shelter of a church office, but right in the middle of the public eye. And some days it’s just not very pretty. I’ve found over the years that unhappy people like to make others unhappy or miserable, so I try to intercept such attempts through excellent service and humility (which includes eating humble pie every now and then). But the thing that really helps keep one buffered from the harsh, haughty, hateful, hurtful world is a day of rest.
That’s right… rest. The Bible records that God instructed the nation of Israel to give themselves a break from the demands of life once a week; to give the fields a rest from producing every 7 years; and to give those under the burden of debt a rest every 50 years. It seems that the body’s need for both physical and mental rest reaches its peak after six days of intense stress (and these days, every day is an intense test of survival). So that’s what we’re really after: the elusive prize of rest.
One must also know how to rest in order to achieve the lift or refreshment it offers. Many think a simple diversion from the causes of stress will do, such as sitting on a couch and watching TV. However, that activity may not be the best way to achieve rest. Tests have shown that stress my actually increase when watching sports or action movies. Psychologists say that those who give, those who volunteer, those who contribute to their society have less stress. Having said that, it may be wise to consider the value of one’s day off and how it can be put to use wisely to better the community and not just oneself.
Of course, one should take some time for oneself to unwind. I prefer walking/hiking, reading, golf, and time with family (most of the time) to be stress reducers. I do not walk as if in an Olympic event; I read at my leisure; I do NOT take the game of golf seriously; and I enjoy fun and laughter with my family. I will take quick minute breaks where I will consciously dream of a reunion with family or friends; make a great chip shot; walk through a garden; or gaze into a valley from the vantage point of a high place… in any case, the views are heavenly, helping me to gather my senses and, once balanced, start with renewed vigor.
I say all that simply to encourage readers to take some moments out of a day, and then a day out of a week, and a week or two out of a year to come aside and reflect… gather yourself. Most do not know how to do this: even packing their vacations with so many activities that a vacation is needed to get over the vacation!
My favorite way to rest is in knowing the Prince of Peace. He said, “Come to me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” When I spend a moment in prayer and meditation, my mind and body relax, and my strength is renewed. It’s been said that if one does not come aside, one comes apart. Come aside for a moment and seek His rest before your life comes apart.
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E. M. Murray
Pastor Steve Foss
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