“Come Unto me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest… you will find rest for your souls…” –Jesus
We may have a snow day soon. I hope so. Snow days have a way of slowing down the world. Expectations are diminished. We are graced to be at home with people we love. We have an excuse to enjoy the beauty of snowfall, quiet simplicity, and rest.
So a snow day is a good day for me. (Since I don’t work for the department of transportation). I might be quietly at work up in my room and Lois might crunch breakfast and lunch into one leisurely meal and the smell bacon and coffee may distract me from my writing or study.
When that happens, I have to tell you, I’m not unhappy about it.
I’m looking out onto a fresh snowfall this morning from the warmth of my study. I wish you rest and sabbath, time for contemplation, bacon in moderation, and quietness of spirit. Even if it doesn’t snow enough to cancel things. And it’s not just me. It was a part of the Ten Commandments, at was a practice of God’s people long before the law. It was the habit of Jesus.
Pastor Eugene Peterson was very productive. Among many other things he wrote an entire paraphrase of the Bible. He was not a slothful man, but years ago he wrote an article called, “The Unbusy Pastor” that addressed this need for regular contemplation and rest. I drank it in like a thirsty man and I think it is one of the reasons I am in my 48th year of ministry without a hint of “burnout.”
Later in life Peterson wrote that he took what he called “A Liturgical Nap” every day. In other words, he considered his nap and matter of ecclesiastical duty, of worshipful expression.
I once heard Charles Stanley say that he regularly fell asleep during prayer. When he slept in his prayer time he considered it a time of intimacy with God as much and a child falling asleep in the security of his grandfather’s lap.
Jesus healed and preached and helped and worked hard. He was never lazy, slothful, or self-indulgent, but he took naps in boats, treks in the mountain and strolled at dawn on the sea shore. He employed quiet, unhurried conversation over meals, as a regular practice.
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the sabbath. He is our soul’s rest, but the principle of regular time for contemplation, thanksgiving, and quietness is something to remember as you watch out over the fallen snow or gaze into the fire on a day like this.
I wish for you rest and peace. May God bless you with a few quiet snow days.
“Come Unto me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest… you will find rest for your souls…” –Jesus
Bittersweet Farm | January 11, 2024
