We need oxygen, water, food, shelter, and sleep (preferably 8-10 hours each and every night) to function properly. God clearly wants us to rest. Why in the world do we fight it when we need it and feel guilty when it’s a natural part of life?
So true, Julie! We're not great at remembering that rest is an actual biological need. It's like we have tried to rationalize it to ourselves by linking it to productivity, instead of just acknowledging it's a thing our human body requires. For some reason this makes me think of how we're so concerned about newborn babies and young children getting rest-- but often lose that sense of caring for ourselves as adults.
Thank you so much, Josh! I hadn't thought about it from the perspective of Sabbath, but you're so right, it does feel really resonant. Yet another tradition I think we've moved away from in an "always on" culture. Also, thanks so much for the article-- really enjoyed it and I love the idea of sabbaticals being embraced outside of academia. I especially liked this description: "It’s important to clarify what a sabbatical actually is. In general, sabbaticals are extended periods of time, spanning anywhere from two months to a year, during which one can change her duties and pace of work." I feel like the change of pace to something quieter for a bit would really open up space for creativity.
We need oxygen, water, food, shelter, and sleep (preferably 8-10 hours each and every night) to function properly. God clearly wants us to rest. Why in the world do we fight it when we need it and feel guilty when it’s a natural part of life?
So true, Julie! We're not great at remembering that rest is an actual biological need. It's like we have tried to rationalize it to ourselves by linking it to productivity, instead of just acknowledging it's a thing our human body requires. For some reason this makes me think of how we're so concerned about newborn babies and young children getting rest-- but often lose that sense of caring for ourselves as adults.
Love this piece, Mary Chris. Couldn't help but think as I was reading about how resonant this is with the Judeo-Christian practice of Sabbath. Coincidentally, Tish Harrison Warren's newsletter from this past Sunday reflects on some similar themes (sorry for the long URL but wanted to make sure the article wasn't paywalled!): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/25/opinion/sabbatical-work-life-balance.html?unlocked_article_code=NUci1cd9KXwXyAYxs1f51X6Z_qf6eAw9Cn1ZUzGvZOCTEzCmskm5yOd5KPxecLaYnT_cSe9wEy3NP_88iCJCa9f1DgogtAphE1KJ1SNvWUtqTbKf7-PdfyP0OgbXRxTts7LLer5_wX3tM9a0rAz2Gbe41Usj6aYvxukCstdZGMmOkXCVX535jpJzAcRAQABRpILLG3SRNb8o5UtRp7OjsCNee_1dBzYaYhfYjYNRrd0YZuSuia0fukUNCGY1fUq2XROGZ4yyYsyfMJsoYiswejAhS5ZR1IZZUJCtJVDjEJN-rWzxuN1d2sef1QtOYjYCd1G8TCsKIO7jTC8IJTHSOfCl957AVg&smid=url-share
Thank you so much, Josh! I hadn't thought about it from the perspective of Sabbath, but you're so right, it does feel really resonant. Yet another tradition I think we've moved away from in an "always on" culture. Also, thanks so much for the article-- really enjoyed it and I love the idea of sabbaticals being embraced outside of academia. I especially liked this description: "It’s important to clarify what a sabbatical actually is. In general, sabbaticals are extended periods of time, spanning anywhere from two months to a year, during which one can change her duties and pace of work." I feel like the change of pace to something quieter for a bit would really open up space for creativity.