There is a story about an expedition across an African jungle. The African porters and their European employers had gone several days without any rest. The Europeans had a goal and a time line. But, they were astounded when one morning, the porters decided to rest. They simply wouldn’t pick up their luggage and supplies and no amount of cajoling could get them to go forward. Perplexed, one of the Europeans asked the lead porter about the delay, to which the porter replied, “We need to stop so that our souls can catch up with our bodies!” The experience of the porters testifies to what happens when we fail to find the right balance between activity and rest, and action and contemplation. Often we move so quickly and with such determination that we don’t realize that we have lost our sense of spiritual direction and are running on empty. If we are fortunate, we discover that we need to slow the pace so our souls can catch up with our activities.
In the midst of a chaotic national time, the Psalmist affirms “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Despite the clear human needs, Jesus takes his disciples on a retreat to a lonely place for as the scripture notes, “many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:32). Even in the first century, frenetic, non-stop activity, done for God’s glory and human well-being could lead to burn out among Jesus’ first followers. The need is great, people are desperate, but if we neglect our own need for prayerful withdrawal, we find ourselves emotionally, spiritually, and physically unable to help the persons who need us most.
Life is a race, and with Paul, we aim toward the horizon of God’s future for us. We don’t need to look back, nor should we dwell on the past. But, we can pause to stop, notice, and assess where we are spiritually, physically, relationally, and emotionally. Intentional awareness of where we are in the race of life is at the heart of Rob Fuquay’s Take the Flag. In racing, Fuquay notes that we need to move ahead with determination but we also need to stop and get our bearings. Fuquay notes that such pauses are called “pit stops.” These “pit stops” enable the rider to relax a moment and the team to check the overall performance of the vehicle and make needed repairs or replacements.
The spiritual life involves moving toward God’s horizon. We are in a race, moving ahead with God as our companion. But, as scripture proclaims, even God takes a rest, God takes a Sabbath to observe the world and let humans and other creatures explore their own talents. Moving with God means it doesn’t all depend on us. We can rest and relax, while the planet keeps turning. We can sit back and watch the changing seasons—the bright fall leaves or the falling snow—as signs of God’s great abundance.
Pausing reminds us that we really do have enough time to do the important things in life. We can let go of our agenda and open to God’s vision which embraces the present moment and the long-term future.
So as you look at your day and ponder the week ahead as well, there are times when you should “just sit there and do nothing” except than enjoy the gift of life and the beauty of this good earth. Contemplation is the companion of action. So, rest awhile, take some deep breaths, and delight in the simplicity of the day. Then, return to the race with a sense of peace, a restful spirit, and a sense of the big picture.
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