Learning to Rest Well
By Father Jack Lumanog, Rector
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) – “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
As we are in the spring and heading into summer, this calendar season is a good reminder for me that I’m still learning to rest well. Resting does not come naturally for me. This sounds weird, but I’m working at resting well!
God intended for us to enter into Sabbath rest. Here’s a great thought from author and pastor Dr. Wayne Cordeiro:
“God gives us rest, but sometimes we can’t seem to accept such an extravagant gift. We somehow imagine that the world won’t be able to go on without our involvement. There’s too much to do. Yet God says: ‘You shall do no work at all…It is to be a Sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls’ (Leviticus 23:31-32)” (Leading on Empty).
Dr. Cordeiro goes on to say “Humble your souls? What does that mean? … So even in the midst of the work, we have to cease and rest. Why? Do you mean to tell me I’m not indispensible? This may be a really rude awakening, but the fact is, the world will go on even if you are not involved for a day.” That’s humbling for my soul, indeed.
With spring and summer forcing a change in our family schedule with school being out, it’s a great reminder to be rested and re-created with those whom I love and those who love me. And, I hope it’s an opportunity for you to do the same.
Resting well is holy work. If you’re like me and you need directions on how to do this, take this great step-by-step advice by Pastor Eugene Cho:
· Breathe.
· Pray.
· Be reminded of your love for your family.
· Be reminded of God’s love for me.
· Breathe some more.
· Pray.
Jesus modeled for us this pattern of ministry and rest and we would do well to follow His example (like everything else in our lives – following Jesus is always a good default setting!). “As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer (Luke 5:16/The Message).”
I ask for your prayers for me and my family as we rest and are re-created in the Lord’s presence. I pray for you and your summer – that this holy work would be a great opportunity for the Lord to move in our individual lives and corporately as a church!
Even with the intensely busy ministry season with Holy Week, Eastertide, Discipleship Group, Adult Bible Study and Graduate Sunday just behind us, let’s not miss out on God’s renewing presence amid the good activity at Christ the King!
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at Christ the King. (And, if you’re out of town on vacation, that’s OK, I totally understand!)
For Christ and His Kingdom,
Fr. Jack
