After such pleasant warm weather over the past few days it is now cooler and raining tonight. By the end of November we find the plants and trees around us retreating into hibernation – into lessened activity – as winter arrives. I used to think this a terrible time of year – a time of waiting for the cold blasts of snow to arrive, enduring it over the long weeks of winter, and finally getting those first gentle breezes that speak of spring warming and new life.
I have come to realize that creation, like us, needs to have some time for rest – for a time not spent in busyness – a space where we can renew ourselves internally. Jesus took time to get away – to be quiet – be still –and to prepare for his next round of teaching, or ministry or. pilgrimage.
We in this 21st century are all too ready to buy into constant and frenetic activity. Our jobs tell us that busy and productive is good and expected. Next year we will be asked to be even busier. But what might really increase our productivity and effectiveness is to have some time to think – some time to renew, some time to refresh.
Creation’s rhythms and the Gospels remind us we need fallow time; we need time to center within ourselves, to be still and know that He is God. To intentionally take that time however we are able – whether a few hours or a few days – is to give ourselves a gift – and to strengthen ourselves to be better at living out our values and faith in the world.
Don
