Slow Motion: God's Call to Rest

In the spirit of being an authentic blogger who *occasionally* shares a bit of my personal life (haha), I'll let you all in on a secret: September was a rough month.

While the world was full of political unrest, I was on on-and-off bed rest. From the fallout of new medications to the never-ending battle with migraines to weeks of sickness, it felt like my entire body was shutting down. I was sick, tired, and sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Of course, there were pockets of joy in every day:) Fall festivities. Sweet friends. Tons of FaceTime calls with people that I adore. But... the right now was hard, and as my physical well-being impacted my mental health, I told my aunt, "It feels like I'm moving in slow motion."

Speed Up, Catch Up

Have you ever felt that way? Like you were stuck in place while everything else was rushing past you?

Truthfully, this is not the first time I've felt like I was moving slowly—though it may have been the first time I felt it so physically. We live in a fast-paced world. I turned 21 last May, and I already have friends who are engaged, employed full-time, or at least looking toward the future.

Some of my friends are interviewing for grad schools, jobs, and important summer internships. Others are doing amazing things—research, med school, writing entire novels.

Sometimes, it makes me wonder... Am I behind? Am I moving too slowly? But then, in my efforts to "speed up and catch up," I often find myself feeling even crummier than before... I guess that's just how it goes.

We aren't meant to sprint through life (though, as a chronic workaholic and recovering perfectionist, I often do). Humans just aren't designed that way. So, when I told my aunt, "It feels like I'm moving in slow motion," she responded: "That's ok... Practice being slow."

Practice being slow.

An Image of God That Rests

I did. For over four weeks of physical discomfort and perpetual sickness. I rested. I cried. I tried again.

And I'm still practicing. And failing. And reminding myself of what it means to be human. Because my aunt was right: Sprinting will not restore our strength. Overworking will not make us more worthy. Achievements will not make us happier. And perfection (I hate to admit it) will not give us peace.

God teaches us this too.

We see it in Scripture: We serve a God who rested on the seventh day—a Teacher who slept through a storm. We come from disciples who napped... often and Apostles who appointed deacons to share their burden.

When we refuse to rest—when we refuse to slow down—we not only ignore the model of Jesus, but we ignore the image of God in ourselves—an image who rests. And what's more: When we refuse to move slowly, we ignore the fact that doing too much and pushing ourselves too hard is neither sustainable nor good ministry.

Advent People, my prayer this Fall is that we can make the time to slow down. That we can take the time to be human. And, above all else, that we can give ourselves grace every step of the way. We are called to rest:) Our hearts, minds, and lives depend on it.

...

"Blessed are we who thought we were self-made by the doing, by the accolades, by the accomplishments, and by the gold stars. We measured our worth by how tired we were every morning, how many special events we missed because of work, by how many times we answered "How are you" with "Busy." We thought: This is the good life.

But then we grew tired and lonely. We felt the strain on our relationships and our spiritual lives. And we became a bit miserable to be around.

So blessed are we who stop---okay, maybe not stop entirely, who are we kidding---but who slow down. We who discover rest and new life and renewal when we step off the treadmill (or at least turn it down). We who remember that the world keeps spinning without us. And thank God for that. We who remember that we are loved, loved, loved. not for what we do, but for who we are."

---Kate Bowler, Good Enough📓

...

O good shepherd, would you teach me how to rest

I’m rushing on, will you make me to lie down

Will you build a fold by the waters that refresh

Will you call my name and lead me safely out?

From my anxious drive to labor on and on

From the restless grind that has put my mind to sleep

Will you call me back and gently slow me down

Will you show me now what to lose and what to keep

O Good Shepherd, O Good friend slow me down.

When my table’s bent with only greed and gold

And my grasping hands are afraid you won’t provide

Will you pour the wine that loosens up my hold

Set your table here with what truly satisfies

On the busy streets trying to make myself a name

If the work is yours, there is nothing I can claim

Will you lead me home to the pastures of your peace

The house is yours, i’m sitting at your feet

---Porter's Gate, "Slow Me Down"🎶