“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Conjures up a scene from Kubrick’s version of The Shining, doesn’t it? I don’t know what scares me more: seeing this old proverb typed repeatedly on a manuscript page or the truth behind the proverb itself.
We all need to take a break occasionally. Whether retired, working full-time, or a student, rest and relaxation are critical to maintaining physical, emotional and spiritual health. Yet some of us don’t understand what it means to rest. I mean, (I’m raising my hand here because I’m guilty of this too) how many of us can’t even go away on a pleasure trip without our laptops? Or check e-mail and social media on our phones while sitting on a beach? Where’s the joy in FOMO (fear of missing out)? Where’s the joy in feeling like we’re on call 24/7?
Jesus understands the value of rest and that sometimes we need to detach and replenish. As public as his ministry is, as “on call” as he is, he also takes personal time aside to rest and recharge—sometimes by himself, sometimes with his disciples.
A true ambivert, Jesus: an extroverted side for sure, yet also a side that gains energy from time spent in solitude. He gracefully moves between taking care of personal needs and then attending to the needs of others.
But the disciples. Can you imagine returning tired and hungry from helping others, being encouraged by Jesus to take time at a secluded spot to refresh, getting on a boat to do so, and seeing the crowd already waiting for them? We’re not told how the disciples respond, but I can imagine it probably goes something to the effect of “what the heck”? Where’s the play time? Weary, probably feeling as dull as Jack, they are called to help others once more. But here’s where Jesus comes in. He feels not weariness, but compassion. He is greatly moved by the crowd. They need him. They bring the sick to him. How can he not tend to them?
His compassion is what gives the strength to continue his work. Compassion isn’t just the feeling that powers him to help the people. Compassion is what he does. It becomes action. Jesus doesn’t rest because he’s never weary, so long as he remains attuned to the fact of God’s presence.
But that’s Jesus. What about us? We’re probably so weary and tired from the discord around us. But how can we rest when there’s so much pain and suffering and injustice and hunger? How can we rest? Ought we to rest when the world needs our help? When Jesus needs us to be his hands and heart in the world?
We can look to Jesus for the answer. Remember he took private time to refresh before he continued his very public work. He encourages his disciples to do the same. You know how we’re advised on airplanes to make sure our masks are secured first before we help others put on theirs in the event of an emergency? Or better still, the saying “If you don’t love yourself, then how the heck can you love someone else?” I think that’s what Jesus is demonstrating here. (And, personally, I think that’s a better proverb than “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”)
Balance between caring for self and caring for others. Being attuned to God’s presence. Not just feeling compassion for self and others but living it by doing it. Bringing joy to work. That makes us all shine.
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