Rest stop…
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:30-31 NIV
The restful mind is a creative mind. John Muir
Our minds must relax: they will rise better and keener after a rest. Just as you must not force fertile farmland, as uninterrupted productivity will soon exhaust it, so constant effort will sap our mental vigor….We must go for walks out of doors, so that the mind can be strengthened by a clear sky and plenty of fresh air. Seneca
Several years ago, I started collecting Sierra wildflower seeds with the goal of making one area of my backyard to more closely reflect a tiny Sierra ecosystem. Whenever I went hiking in late summer or fall, I would collect seeds. The first couple years, I would diligently label them and plant them in the spring…yet nothing ever sprouted. Then I did a little research on germinating and growing Sierra wildflower seeds where I learned many new things, but the most important thing was that most high mountain seeds require “cold stratification”. This mimics the natural winter chill for a period of months where the seeds are cooled to stay inactive, to rest until the right time for activity.
That knowledge gave me pause to think more about a season of relative inactivity, of rest, in our human lives. Scripture has many verses that attest to the importance of rest. Israelites were told to give the land a “Sabbath rest” every seven years; a time when the land was to lay fallow for a season. Scripture frequently refers to the importance of a weekly Sabbath rest; it’s not a suggestion, but a command as God knows how crucial rest is for us. Jesus takes the disciples to rest after busy times and he, himself, goes off into the wilderness for a time of quiet with His Father regularly. Even modern-day science studies verify the good health necessity of rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
When I did start to cold stratify the collected wildflower seeds before planting them, a few sprouted and grew into healthy plants. Now, that may not seem like success, but growing high mountain wildflower seeds in high desert is a difficult feat at best, so I felt greatly rewarded to have any germinate and grow. Come to think of it, I need to go put this year’s batch in the refrigerator before it’s too late!
We all need to rest regularly. We need a Sabbath day, whatever day of the week you choose and we also need seasons of rest, when possible. Winter offers an ideal natural opportunity to slow down and recharge, particularly in cold winter climates. Even in the busy season of life when raising a family, taking a break is important.
Make sure to make moments and days for resting regularly. After savoring time to rest and relax, you’ll be amazed at your renewed energy and enthusiasm for life!
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