One beautiful Fall day, several years ago, while visiting with an elderly friend, I snarked, “Folks at that house down the road were just sitting on the porch in rocking chairs! It is Wednesday! How do they have time simply to sit on the porch rocking? In the middle of the day!?” Full disclosure; I was in the midst of writing my doctoral dissertation. The theme of my dissertation was—now get this—“Time Management….” My every moment—among work, family, and working on this degree—pressed my timeframe. My friend said quietly (and politely), “Maybe they were taking a break from the hard work they had been doing.”
How blind we can be when we are all-consumed in a project (or our own little fiefdom). Rest is important for the human body; mind, and spirit. No! It is vital. Most of us don’t get enough actual rest. Before I started writing this week’s installment, I needed to contact a businessman about a matter for tomorrow. But it was after hours. My daughter said, “Text him. He’ll respond, even after hours.” And that is true. Work hours have virtually morphed into the captivity of cyberspace—crashing into our circadian rhythm. CNN reported on a sleep study where…participants (who) were in good health, with no history of diabetes or shift work, (lack of rest could) affect circadian rhythm…
Multitasking is a myth. Merriam-Webster’s definition of a myth is appropriate here; a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone. This pretty well describes the enduring mantra of multitasking. It is not possible to multitask—not if you take a task seriously. The human mind is marvelous! And ideas, memories, and other visions swirl there. But to focus on something important requires focus and accountability. The distracted driving issue—especially using a cell phone while driving—should be sufficient evidence. I won’t beat this horse to death, but you get the point.
Many health studies reveal that most Americans don’t get enough rest. The results tend to hover between thirty and thirty-five percent of our population suffers from sleep deprivation or stress. Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration, and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood and even a better metabolism. (INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma). This is not news; ancient writings point this out. When God created all things he rested. And the record that God rested is “carved in stone.”
And the medical community chimes in;–A lack of sleep at night can make you cranky the next day. And over time, skimping on sleep can mess up more than just your morning mood. Studies show getting quality sleep on a regular basis can help improve all sorts of issues, from your blood sugar to your workouts. (Webmed). So. It seems important to take rest seriously. A variety of contemporary companies already provide ways for employees to take a nap, rest breaks, etc. during the workday.
The Bible offers seven different passages saying—Six days you shall labor and do all your work—–rest is warranted. This passage is found in a variety of unmistakable ways—and they are not all simply quoting Exodus 20: 9; This message is found in different passages in the Bible, and/or different contexts. So there we have it—from ancient wisdom down through modern medical messages; Take a rest!
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022
Willis, I take a lot more ‘breaks’ than I used to! De “used” to say I was the Energizer Bunny. However, my battery runs low pretty quickly nowadays! My Mama in her older years would say, “I seem to get up tired, so I have to rest before I get started!” That seems to be my mantra these days!
Interesting that you should write on this, this week, Willis. This week I started a course on How to Take a Real Sabbath Rest. Subtitle: Embracing Time in God’s Economy.
So far, it’s really interesting and challenging. Guess this is Holy Spirit’s way of reminding me what I’m studying. 🙂
Thanks!