This month, we’ve been discussing the seasonal shift from planting and growth to harvest, to rest.  As our year shifts and begins to wind down, it’s important to consider what’s next.

Do you ever feel uneasy—or even guilty—when you stop and rest? You might see a woman sitting on a bench, quietly gazing off into the sky, reading a book, or just sitting there, and think, Must be nice! You might even judge the idleness you think you see. But is it idleness?

I’ve wondered about this this week. What is the difference between idleness and rest? 

Probably, it’s only the choice of a thought…most things are. 🙂

I have learned, with my Type A, “get ’er done” personality—nine children, herbalist, apprentice healer, farmer, homeschooler, entrepreneur, crazy lady—that there is a big difference between idleness and rest. 

Rest is sacred. Rest was exemplified by our Creator. Idleness…well, not so much.
To me, one of the biggest differences between rest and idleness is purpose. Rest has a purpose.  Even when the purpose is not decided and defined, rest rejuvenates us in some way—creatively, physically, socially, spiritually, or emotionally. The Creator rested after His work, and Jesus, while He was on the earth, periodically went away to quiet places.

Rest helps us in our life purpose, in our day, and even in the hours we live. Sometimes it’s a long nap or an afternoon with a good book. Sometimes it’s simply one calm, resting breath that nourishes and soothes our soul.

 I also think we can be a little too quick to call ourselves idle. Truly, we can be our own harshest critic. When you decide, on purpose, that you’re going to sit down, stare out the window, wander around the garden, read something just because you want/need to, or do absolutely nothing for a few minutes…that’s purposeful rest too. 
There is no reason for guilt when you choose to rest. 
You don’t have to earn it first.

Sometimes idleness really is avoidance. It says, I’m disengaging from what matters because I don’t want to face something right now. It can look like numbing or escaping. Doomscrolling, random shopping sites, social media, YouTube anyone? Yep. We do that too. Maybe we don’t need to judge ourselves for that either. That’s part of being human, and it is yet another thing to not feel guilty about.  
If you don’t like the results, 
you can create change in your life.

Just notice the behavior and ask, Is this restoring me, or am I hiding from something I need to compassionately face? No shame. Just awareness and curiousity.
Rest says, I’m stopping so my mind, body, and spirit can be renewed. Rest in the Lord can be empowering, nourishing, and renewing. Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate that choice in yourself. 
Sit down. Be still. Breathe.

Choosing to rest in this busy world is brave. Radically, revolutionary even. 
Rest can be a powerful act of Creation.
The Sabbath Day is one of my favorite ways to rest, but I’m also learning that I need little ‘Sabbaths’ every day—sometimes every hour. 
Stop. Reset. Restart.

Do you have a Sabbath in your week? Where do you choose rest in your day? Where might you need a little more of it? And maybe instead of asking, Have I done enough to deserve a rest? We could ask,
“What would compassion look like in my mind, body, or spirit right now?”

Nature doesn’t apologize when the growing season ends. It grows. It produces. It harvests. And then it rests. We were created to have seasons too.
There is a time to create, a time to gather, and a time to be still. So if you need to sit on the bench for a while today…sit.

Here’s to guilt-free, renewing, resetting rest.  Have a beautiful week!

All my love,
beth