Rest

“You cannot fill from an empty cup.” You might think this saying has been overused or is trite, however there is much truth in it. If we do not spend time in a quiet space resting, not only do we become physically weary, we can become emotionally drained, mentally fatigued and spiritually dry. Everyone needs rest.  

This story from Terry Hershey’s Sabbath Moment beautifully illustrates the point.

Every day after school, the young son of a well-known Rabbi would enter his house, place his backpack on the dining room table, leave the house through the back door and head into the woods behind the house.

At first, the Rabbi gave little thought to his son’s ritual. Until it continued, for days, and then for weeks. Every day, out into the woods for almost a half hour. The Rabbi grew concerned.

“My son,” he asked one day. “I notice that every day you leave our home to spend time in the woods. What is it you are doing there?”

“Oh papa,” the son replied. “There is no need to worry. I go into the woods to pray. It is in the woods that I can talk to God.”

“Oh,” the Rabbi said, clearly relieved. “But you should know, as the son of a Rabbi, that God is the same everywhere.”

“Yes, papa. I know that God is the same everywhere. But, I am not.”

Wow! What a profound statement. God is the same everywhere. But, I am not.

The young boy recognised that without taking time to rest in God, he was restless. We often live life in the fast lane with agendas to follow, goals to be achieved and adventures to pursue. There is a time and a space for all of these, however the boy recognised that he needed a second space, one that is essential for us all. A space with God in which to find quiet, stillness and peace. A space for rest.