M-Note 9.4.2021

I read a proverb recently that said, “a forest cannot be cut with a broken axe”.
 
I took it to be about the importance of tending to ourselves. Resting. It is easy to get consumed in the work that must be done, the appointments we need to keep, the deadlines to meet, or the tasks to check off the list. We focus so much on what needs doing that we neglect the one doing it.
 
As my own life gets busier and my schedule begins filling up for the first time in 18 months, I am once again challenged by the biblical mandate to rest. It sounds like an easy rule to follow, but I think it is one of the most counter-cultural commandments in scripture.  Even on days off, many of us feel the pressure to be productive or “get something done”. And yet, God gives us a rhythm of life that includes 6 days of doing and 1 day of being. A week isn’t complete unless there is rest.
 
This weekend, my prayer for you is rest. I hope you will give yourself permission to not get something done, and instead to reflect on life, connect with people you care about, find activities that bring you joy, and take care of yourself. If God can do it, you can too!
 
Peace,

P.S. If you want to reflect more on why rest matters to our spiritual life and how to actually do it, check out a series I preached called Rest. I look forward to worshiping with you this weekend, in-person or online. Just go here to check out all of our times and locations. And don’t forget, CoreGroup sign ups are still happening. I hope you will get in a group this fall. All the groups, along with times and details can be found here.