Permission to Rest

*Picture taken in Big Sur, CA

A Practice in Listening to the Inner Voice of Love

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” —although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.

—John 4:1-6

Beloved,

Are you tired out by your journey? My Son knew when to rest. He didn’t push himself beyond his limits. In the height of day, at mid afternoon, he stopped and sat at Jacob’s well.

Even when I call you into unknown territories I give you places to pause, gather yourself, and reflect. Your life isn’t a race. There isn’t a finish line you are striving towards. No, it is about abiding in me, becoming attuned to my Spirit, letting my mysteries unfold all around you.

Are you afraid of losing momentum or traction in your journey? Are you afraid of taking longer than necessary? Are you afraid of what will happen when you stop—who will approach you, or what thoughts and questions will arise?

Beloved, there is time and space for all of this. My plans and purposes are accomplished in your waking and sleeping, doing and resting. I can meet you in the cool of the evening or the heat of the day. Learn to give yourself what you need in each moment. Rest and abide in me.

—Love