Exhortations to ‘keep calm’, ‘take care’ or just to rest are all around us. They sound so simple and inviting. But this, too, requires commitment. We invite you to give yourself the gift of taking a step towards - rather than reaching - these elusive places of calm, self-care or rest.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
Some of us are familiar with the closing verses of the 11th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel -
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”
The Message is a translation of the bible written between 1993 and 2002 that aims to use contemporary language. It uses the metaphor of rhythm, of music, in its version of Jesus’ invitation:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. ”
Consider the musician who works for years to hone the skills that enable her to ‘rest’ as she plays; whose efforts enable her to offer a place of rest to her audience; who has learned to marry the silence that grounds the music with the vibration of body and instrument. In music, rest itself and the journey to reach that rest dance together.
Spend some time reflecting on the music of your life. (How) Do the silences and the sounds work together?
You are invited to reflect on some of the following phrases:
These words are often used in the Reflective Communion liturgy at Whirlow:
“God, you promise us a burden that is light
And a load that is easy;
You anoint us to study your word
And meditate on your ways;
May we never be too busy to listen;
May we never be too tired to pray.”
Perhaps the journey towards rest, the learning that is needed to get there and the prayers we offer up on the way are all part of a whole. Perhaps we can stop pressurising ourselves to ‘rest’ perfectly!
You may like to listen to a favourite piece of music, a performance which takes your breath away, as you reflect on this. His Yoke is Easy from Handel’s Messiah is one option!
Bless and keep us
Let our actions serve you
Let our togetherness serve you
Let our prayers be incense before you
Amen.