Across the Pastor’s Desk by Shane Koepke

 

In the church we use this weird word, Sabbath, to describe rest. Traditionally that was Sunday, but more and more we live in a world that doesn’t seem to stop, and so we have replaced our resting day with, well, everything else.

We scurry to do home improvement projects, race to events for kids and self, fill the time with meetings, projects and work on top of work. In fact, we kind of guilt ourselves if we don’t overschedule ourselves. But, just as God rested after creating everything, you are invited to rest, too, after all your creating. What does that look like for you? A good book, a hike, sitting still, meaningful worship — there are lots of ways you can rest.

A few years ago I went on a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail and, during the time I was gone, I had the most restful space to think, to wonder, to plan. The goal of each day was to put one foot in front of the other and breath as I walked along the rocks, forest and lakes of the north shore. When I got tired, I stopped; when I was hungry, I ate. It was hard work and at the same time restful, because it took me out of my normal mode and put me into a new mindset, a kind of reset button for my brain. I came home calmer, happier, and ready to do all the things I needed and wanted to do with my job and my family. This rest made everything better.

Rest in itself has biblical approval because it is a vital part of our living. So, take a break — better yet — make time to take a break and know that it’s OK to do so in your hectic world. Rest and in it, I pray you find renewal.

Shane Koepke is a pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.