THE GIFT OF REST

The reality of burn out, of running out of steam has been described as akin to battle fatigue, the feeling of being drained, the feeling of being spent. Thus arose the need for an integrating and rejuvenating spirit, the same breath of life coming, blowing as a second--or third--wind. Those in the struggle need support systems and mechanisms for re-charging and for re-animating. Those in the struggle need to be re-assured that they are not alone. They have to be able to draw strength from the collective reality that--despite being separated by time and space--they have sisters and brothers who have walked, are walking and will walk the same hard road they have chosen to follow.

Few get the opportunity to go on sabbaticals and retreats. Jesus is reported to have gone on retreats when he prayed alone. The transfiguration has been interpreted as Jesus' way of seeking his "second wind" in light of what lay before him at Jerusalem.

How does Jesus himself get the energy to face death? He rests.

How about the majority of people who have to face the nitty-gritty details of struggling through today? How about those who will never, ever, get the luxury of a sabbatical leave or even a weekend free? How about the people who have to confront the violence of poverty as a daily experience of life? Where do they get their first, or second, or third wind? By resting.

The religious leaders in Jesus' time accused him of being a "drunkard and a glutton," no doubt because he loved to host fellowship meals in the homes he stayed in. He loved attending weddings and other community gatherings. Most of his parables centered on these gatherings. It is within the struggling communities' celebrations, not outside, that we receive this "rush" of life. Rest.

Tired and weary, laborers on strike sit down together to have a round of drinks. It is here where people share their frustrations, their dreams, their hopes--amidst the bubbles of beer and the cigarette smoke--that the spirit blows. Soon they are back in the picketlines. Empowered by the brew? No. By rest.

High school students attending a murdered activist's funeral march stop for a little rest. A few are ready to quit because of the heat. Some are ready to quit because of the long 20-kilometer march. A lot more are ready to quit because of the presence of truncheon-wielding police. They share a loaf of bread. It is not much but everyone gets to have a bite. And they continue. Strengthened by the dough? No. By rest.

*image, "My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light," photograph from Ecuador (2007), from the vanderbilt divinity library archives.