In planning for this post on rest, I began to think of adjectives that describe busyness and life pace. I thought of the words frantic and frenetic. I wondered how they were different. A quick Google search of the terms revealed that frantic has to do with one’s mental state and frenetic applies to behaviors and actions. Whether we use the words frantic and frenetic appropriately or not, I am sure we all understand that life in the 21st century moves recklessly fast! With all our technology and the speed of travel, daily life is overloaded. Should I call it frantic or frenetic?
I am very guilty of both overscheduling my life and carrying out daily routines with excessive effort. According to psychologist Archibald Hart, some important activities require adrenaline and heightened focus, but we should beware of keeping this pace with routine chores. I find this to be true of myself. I catch myself with clenched jaws as I peel carrots or furrowed brows while brushing my teeth. Such intensity is unhealthy.
The Bible speaks many times of rest, of leaning on God, of waiting. Often the message is in the command form: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). God, having designed our bodies, knows how they work and knows what is best for us physically and mentally. Slowing down, getting away, and listening are frequent admonitions in Scripture. God Himself modelled rest for us by stopping on the seventh day of Creation to sit back and enjoy the wonders He had just created over the previous six days. He invented the Sabbath which is just one of His lifestyle ideals for us.
With age, I think we might get better at resting. It could be out of necessity; the body is slowing down, without its former youthful energy. It might be opportunity; less responsibilities and obligations and freer to relax. And with age, wisdom is gained; like Solomon, you realize that being a workaholic is all “vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
Our frantic mindset can come to a screeching halt with a snowstorm. Where I live in northern Virginia, snow is a novelty. We don’t get regular snowstorms. When we do get measurable snow, the roads are considered impassable and schools close, providing a wonderful respite. Neighbors gather outside, resting together between shoveling. Kitchens are suddenly happy places simmering with soup smells and the scents of baking. Families sit beside fireplaces talking and laughing. The white blanket puts our frenzied lives to bed.
So while we wait for this winter’s big snow, let’s practice by slowing down and living reasonably. God wants us to savor the life He’s given us but we’re prone to miss His offer. “God has told his people, ‘Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.’ But they would not listen.” Isaiah 28:12