Assuming you rest 1 day of the week, what do you typically do on that day of rest? What do you find restful? Are there still things that you must do that day that aren’t so restful?
I am terrible at resting!
In theory, I know that true rest in life is found thrugh meditation in the presence of the Lord. STepping away from the world. This should be what our hearts long for, and I think it anticipates the eternal rest that we will one day enjoy.
I’m thinking of how in the troubles (or may we say, the business) of life, this is what David longed for: “One thing have I asked of the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord…” Psalm 27:4, ESV
And also the Sons of Korah: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:2, ESV
Real rest is found through satisfaction in the Lord himself.
In practice, however, I often replace this true rest of the soul with the more menial things of earth. I have a need to constantly be “doing” stuff and I lack the incentive to stop and enjoy real rest.
Some weekends I can rest a good bit, but I have little kids and a kid with special needs. Sometimes there’s just no time to actually rest until the kids go to bed. Then, my wife and I enjoy some time together and rest… but then it’s bed time before we know it.
I’m also one who likes to do stuff. I try to keep from filling up my schedule too much on my sabbath day, though. I have to remember that it’s not a day to get home projects done.
I’m not a dad, but I have recently (been) volunteered to babysit my sister’s twin infants on a bi-weekly basis. I have a new appreciation for the time demands of parenting! Nevertheless, it is good to know that this occupation is one that is from the lord. He that is a dad cares for the things of the world, how he may please his children, so to speak. May the lord bless you and your family.
Yes, “home projects,” can definitely get in the way. They can be hard to juggle.
