Finding Balance: Between Work…and Rest…
By Pastor Hope Deutscher
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. – Mark 6:30-32
In a normal year, we would have soaked up every moment of vacation days traveling around the country and soaking up lake life. But this year, most of us have stuck closer to home due to a worldwide pandemic. …And this month a new school year begins. I was quite naive, or hopeful, back in March thinking that we’d be back in our sanctuaries worshipping together by Easter 2020. Clearly that didn’t happen. I am hopeful that soon we will gather again to worship inside safely, but I’m also learning that in the midst of the unknown we are still the church of God.
Perhaps we are in a good position to be in times like these – we have been given phones and internet service to connect with one another. However, those advantages of being able to connect 24-7 also leads us to work more. Perhaps you can resonate with these words from Pastor and author Wayne Muller, “Because we do not rest, we lose our way. Poisoned by this hypnotic belief that good things come only through unceasing determination and tireless effort, we can never truly rest.” I wonder how many of us have been under this misbelief that if I just push through with work, before I know it the pandemic will be over and life will be somewhat back to a normal routine. Or maybe we are okay with some of our life now. As we begin fall and a new school year, our lives tend to become busier. This year, with some after school activities and sports postponed, I wonder if our lives will become less busy? Or will we just learn to fill the time with other things?
In scripture, God set the tone for Sabbath rest on the seventh day of creation. And Jesus continues setting an example for us. He has a beautiful pattern of being in ministry, healing and preaching, retreating, more ministry, then retreating with his disciples, then coming back to greet the crowds… the pattern of healing and ministry followed by rest continues. I had such an ah-ha moment when I saw this pattern that Jesus established for himself, and for us, so much so I wrote a Rule of Life around it: Listen, listen, God is calling…through God’s Word inviting offering rest, renewal, balance, and joy. Some of us are struggling to find rest in our busy schedules, especially as kids may be schooling from home; others may be on forced rest due to unemployment or illness; still others may be retired and have the rest thing figured out. Some of us work too hard, others rest well and some fight to find the balance between the two.
In the midst of life and the balancing act between work and rest, my prayer is that we can support one another in balancing our work and prayer life.
If you need support, we are here for you!
Pastor Hope Deutscher
Other Sermons/Resources:
We Are A Transforming Church
Road to Emmaus Wellness Guide by Portico Health Benefits
Join an 8-week journey with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus as you contemplate your own well-being.
Do not be afraid! He is Risen! Sermon, April 12, 2020
We are Easter People Living in a Good Friday World (April 2020 Newsletter Article)
Contemplative Practices During Times of Anxiety
Faith Over Fear Sermon, Living Grace 3/15/20
By Pastor Hope Deutscher
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. – Mark 6:30-32
In a normal year, we would have soaked up every moment of vacation days traveling around the country and soaking up lake life. But this year, most of us have stuck closer to home due to a worldwide pandemic. …And this month a new school year begins. I was quite naive, or hopeful, back in March thinking that we’d be back in our sanctuaries worshipping together by Easter 2020. Clearly that didn’t happen. I am hopeful that soon we will gather again to worship inside safely, but I’m also learning that in the midst of the unknown we are still the church of God.
Perhaps we are in a good position to be in times like these – we have been given phones and internet service to connect with one another. However, those advantages of being able to connect 24-7 also leads us to work more. Perhaps you can resonate with these words from Pastor and author Wayne Muller, “Because we do not rest, we lose our way. Poisoned by this hypnotic belief that good things come only through unceasing determination and tireless effort, we can never truly rest.” I wonder how many of us have been under this misbelief that if I just push through with work, before I know it the pandemic will be over and life will be somewhat back to a normal routine. Or maybe we are okay with some of our life now. As we begin fall and a new school year, our lives tend to become busier. This year, with some after school activities and sports postponed, I wonder if our lives will become less busy? Or will we just learn to fill the time with other things?
In scripture, God set the tone for Sabbath rest on the seventh day of creation. And Jesus continues setting an example for us. He has a beautiful pattern of being in ministry, healing and preaching, retreating, more ministry, then retreating with his disciples, then coming back to greet the crowds… the pattern of healing and ministry followed by rest continues. I had such an ah-ha moment when I saw this pattern that Jesus established for himself, and for us, so much so I wrote a Rule of Life around it: Listen, listen, God is calling…through God’s Word inviting offering rest, renewal, balance, and joy. Some of us are struggling to find rest in our busy schedules, especially as kids may be schooling from home; others may be on forced rest due to unemployment or illness; still others may be retired and have the rest thing figured out. Some of us work too hard, others rest well and some fight to find the balance between the two.
In the midst of life and the balancing act between work and rest, my prayer is that we can support one another in balancing our work and prayer life.
If you need support, we are here for you!
Pastor Hope Deutscher
Other Sermons/Resources:
We Are A Transforming Church
Road to Emmaus Wellness Guide by Portico Health Benefits
Join an 8-week journey with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus as you contemplate your own well-being.
Do not be afraid! He is Risen! Sermon, April 12, 2020
We are Easter People Living in a Good Friday World (April 2020 Newsletter Article)
Contemplative Practices During Times of Anxiety
Faith Over Fear Sermon, Living Grace 3/15/20