Freedom in Rest
Rest is a gift from God.
I took a break for the month of June and ended it with a personal retreat at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, CA. It is an absolutely beautiful place. I loved walking through the Stations of the Cross path and the Sorrows of Mary garden, discovering different parts of the property since there was no map of the grounds. I took advantage of the time to walk outdoors, read, journal, and spend quality time with Jesus in the chapel. It felt like a fun day with my Father, just being like a child again, open to what He wanted to reveal to me.
During my walks, I noticed the animals roaming and flying through the property—deer, rabbits, all kinds of birds, and lizards. I observed how free they were to go wherever they wanted on this land and enjoy its resources. They didn’t have to worry about a thing because God provided for them (Matthew 6:25-34). Sometimes we can forget that what we are given is enough and that we just need to trust in God’s provision when it is outside our control.
Before coming to the retreat site, I had so much going on in the weeks prior that I was starting to feel like my creativity and energy were being depleted. Being fully aware of this, I decided it was time for a break. Sometimes it can be a struggle for us to pause and let go of the things we have to do and just rest. My good friend, Monica, shared something very insightful with me about how we can live in modern-day slavery like in the book of Exodus. It made me think about how we can have the tendency to enslave ourselves to work, not allowing ourselves to truly live out our Sabbath rest.
The Sabbath was made for us. We shouldn’t be working to get rest. Sometimes we can get so busy that when we finally have some open space, we don’t know what to do with that time. Our bodies have gotten so used to working that it feels we have to look for the next thing that will fill our schedule.
When we rest, we’re not worrying about all the many tasks we are required to do. We can simply be still and know (Psalm 46:10) that God is God and He takes care of everything that He did not give us responsibility for. We can enjoy what we have done, just as God said in Genesis after creating the heavens and the earth, and say, "This was good, this was enough," and then rest. There is a sense of freedom in rest.
When I got home, I listened to a talk by Mark Gladman on Discovering the Spirit of Sabbath Rest, and it spoke about just that—“Sabbath is about freedom.” Freedom is like a carefree child, focused only on what is in front of them and easily delighted by the Father’s surprises. I pray we all learn to live and rest in this way—free.
a simple strategy
Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done," human life has a rhythm of work and rest.
CCC 2184
Rest is a gift from God. It reflects how God ordered things to be (Genesis 2), and there is a purpose in it. We cannot keep expending energy indefinitely; we end up running out of fuel and giving from empty. Here are a few ways we can rest and refuel:
Spend time alone with God and just be, in whatever form "being" takes for you. Learn how to embrace being God's child. Jesus spent time with His Father before beginning His work (Mark 1:35). If God created life, we need to come to Him often to be replenished.
Take time to pause from work and "doing" (screen-free). Tasks constantly demand attention, but they will still be there later. It's okay to take a break and step away from screens and overstimulation. For me, I enjoy walking around the neighborhood with my husband or sitting in our backyard garden. Whatever it may be for you, unleash your creativity.
Understand your needs—physically, mentally, and spiritually. We must care for our health and wellness. Factors like stress, environment, diet, exercise, and sleep impact our ability to rest well.
Set boundaries (it's okay to say "no"). Saying "no" to one thing means saying "yes" to something better. When we are depleted, we will not be able to work optimally. Setting boundaries for rest is healthy and holy. It means caring for God's temple, which is you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Let go of control and trust in God's provision (Matthew 6:25-34). Learn to play and have fun.
Slow down, take deep breaths, and remember the One who gave you life (Genesis 2:7). Deep breathing helps lower heart rate, calm the mind, and live in the present moment.
Spend time in silence, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, or in nature. Attend daily mass. Make space for contemplation, meditation, and journaling. Life can be noisy, but God often speaks in the silence (1 Kings 19:11-13).
Connect with life-giving people. Surround yourself with those who speak life into you and provide a safe space for you to be authentically yourself. We are designed for connection, but it's crucial to have relationships that support our restoration.
ponder
What are some ways I am being called to improve how I rest?
