I grew up learning to drive a car with a manual transmission. My dad drove a Volkswagen Super Beetle, and that’s the car on which I learned to maneuver with a third pedal under the dashboard. There is a certain finesse in learning to change gears: reverse, first, second, third, and fourth. Later, I even had a car with fifth gear!
Changing gears in a manual transmission became muscle memory, and now I can return to a manual transmission with only a minimal adjustment. Sadly, they are making fewer of those vehicles these days, at least in the United States.
I find myself pondering the changing gears that come with Sabbath rest, whether it is one day a week or a willingness to take a vacation. It has been several years since I have taken a vacation for more than a few days here and there. I gave myself any number of reasons for that; however, if I am honest, the reasoning was more subtle than I would say.
One subtle reason was a kind of arrogance. I am a contemplative and maintain a daily practice that keeps me grounded. If one is grounded or centered, why would that person need to step back and rest longer than the one-day Sabbath? Yet, even the most grounded individuals need to recognize their limitations. Continuous activity, no matter how centered we feel, can lead to burnout and diminished productivity in the long run. True rest is not just about physical recovery but also about mental and emotional rejuvenation.
Another reason is that our USAmerican culture has an ingrained sense that productivity is all about being there every day and working. Many workplaces give new employees a week or two of vacation, and more can be “earned” by years of service, as if newer employees don’t need vacation as much as longtime employees. Paid vacation is seen as a privilege rather than a necessity. This mindset overlooks the fundamental human need for rest and renewal. By not taking adequate time off, we not only harm ourselves but also contribute to a culture that values output over well-being.
I suppose another reason is imagined indispensability. It really is the ego’s need to be seen as a necessity. The belief that the world will stop turning without our constant input is both a burden and an illusion. This imagined indispensability can trap us in a cycle of perpetual busyness, where stepping away feels impossible. However, embracing rest is an act of humility, acknowledging that we are part of a larger whole and that life goes on, even when we take a break.
Taking a vacation or observing a Sabbath is akin to shifting gears in a manual transmission car. Just as the car needs to change gears to adapt to different speeds and terrains, we need to change our pace to adapt to the demands of life. Rest allows us to reset, refocus, and return with renewed energy and perspective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing gears, whether in a car or in life, requires a combination of skill, awareness, and willingness to adapt. Embracing Sabbath rest or taking a vacation is not a sign of weakness or lack of productivity; it is a recognition of our humanity and our need for balance. Just as driving a manual car teaches us the importance of shifting gears, our lives too require regular intervals of rest to function optimally. Let us not fall into the trap of imagined indispensability or the cultural glorification of constant productivity. Instead, let us value and prioritize rest as a vital component of a healthy, balanced life.
Reflection Questions
How do I currently prioritize rest and relaxation in my life?
- Reflect on your daily and weekly routines. Consider how much time you dedicate to rest and whether you view it as a necessary part of your schedule or as an optional luxury.
What are the underlying beliefs or cultural influences that shape my attitude towards work and rest?
- Examine the societal, familial, and personal beliefs that inform your approach to productivity and rest. Are there any unexamined assumptions or pressures that impact your ability to take a break?
In what ways might taking regular, intentional rest improve my overall well-being and effectiveness in my work and personal life?
- Think about the potential benefits of rest. Consider how time away from work could enhance your mental clarity, emotional health, and physical energy, and how this, in turn, might positively affect your productivity and relationships.
Infinitely Precious 