Do you ever stop and ask yourself a very important question, “Do I get enough rest—real, life-giving rest?” In a culture that glorifies busyness, makes productivity an idol, equates dignity and worth with accomplishment, and confuses doomscrolling with leisure, it can seem nearly impossible and perhaps a bit uncomfortable, to take a deep breath and seek out the real, restorative rest that our bodies, minds, and souls need to truly live an abundant life.

Taking time to really rest can be a challenge, but we aren’t alone. In the Gospels, Jesus gives us examples of rest, invites us to rest, and promises to be the primary source of our rest. In Mark’s Gospel, right before the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus invites his disciples to “‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile’ for many were coming and going and they had no leisure even to rest” (Mk 6:31).

As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to respond to this invitation to recharge our bodies, minds, and souls.

I don’t know about you, but real, restorative rest does not come naturally to me. To get enough rest, I have to discern what brings me real rest and be intentional about seeking it out; sometimes, it gets added to my to-do list or scheduled on my calendar to make sure it happens. This weekend, amidst my many responsibilities and ever-growing to-do list, I am making rest a priority by putting my phone down, spending time with friends, taking some extra prayer time, and trying to get enough sleep. Join me by discerning what brings you real rest and carving out time—even if it is just a few minutes– to seek it out.

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Truth from Scripture:

Come to me, all who are labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

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Wisdom from the Saints:

“God is there in these moments of rest and can give us in a single instance exactly what we need.”

// St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross