Rest, Play and Sabbath
There are times, then, when in order to keep ourselves in existence at all we simply have to sit back for a while and do nothing. And for a man who has let himself be drawn completely out of himself by his activity, nothing is more difficult than to sit still and rest, doing nothing at all. The very act of resting is the hardest and most courageous act he can perform: and often it is quite beyond his power. - Thomas Merton
Annual Examen | Unhurried Living
This resource is meant to give you some windows through which to look back over a year rather than simply one day. The reflections and prayers below grew out of a time of listening to Isaiah 61 and looking back over a year in my life. The practice of an annual examen is much like a daily examen, but focuses on a longer look back. KEEP READING
A Tale of Rest: Come out and Play | Nairy Ohanian
The more we enjoy the presence of Christ the more we understand the stark contrast between an interruption of our driven day and His invitation for conversation, refreshment, and joy. At first it seems so hard to decipher but like so many challenges the more we practice, the easier it becomes. READ MORE
Play | Allender Center Podcasts
“There is no better time than summer to consider the importance of play.”
On this week’s podcast, Dan begins a two-week series discussing the nature of play and the importance of embracing play in our lives. To begin, says Dan, it is crucial that we envision play as a fully embodied pursuit, not simply a break or a time free from work.
“Play is often considered to be the contrast or the opposite of the word ‘work.’ What I’m hoping to accomplish is to set out a conversation and definition of play as the way we live out being in the kingdom of God. If your work is not play, that is a good, good picture of living a divided life. If you do not love what you do, if it is not playful, then in many ways you are going to lose a sense of life at work.” LISTEN HERE
In a culture where busyness is a fetish and stillness is laziness, rest is sloth.” Our culture expects us to work constantly. But God provides us rest in the Sabbath. “Sabbath is both a day and an attitude to nurture such stillness. It is both a time on the calendar and a disposition of the heart. It is a day we enter, but just as much a way we see. Sabbath imparts the rest of God–the things of God’s nature and presence we miss in our busyness.
The "Above All' Commandment of the Sabbath | Kevin Emmert
When most of us think of Lent, we immediately think about giving something up—sugar, TV, radio, you name it. Although this season is marked by abstinence, it also can be the busiest time in the church calendar. In many traditions, Lent is packed with special services and religious practices to help us focus on the life of Christ—more prayer, more devotional reading, more church services. But for what purpose?
One obvious answer: These activities help deepen our devotion to Jesus Christ. But if we're honest, we also do these things in part because we believe that they contribute to our sanctification. After all, in order to become more like Christ, you have to imitate him, right?
Amid all the devotion, however, the last thing we think of adding to our Lenten disciplines is observing the Sabbath. This is surprising, since the Bible seems to teach that rest may be the most significant and transformative activity of all. KEEP READING
Love in a Big World: Let's Play! | Tamara Fyke
Last Saturday I took my youngest son and his friend to Laser Quest. It’s the best laser tag place I know, full of two-story mazes covered in glow-in-the-dark paint. I had intended to sit and wait for the boys as they enjoyed their experience, but a quick phone call with Mom changed that plan. “Go play. Have fun! I would if I was there,” encouraged Mom. She knows I’m still a kid at heart, just like her. With her voice ringing in my ears, I played two of the greatest games of laser tag in my life! And, of course, my son enjoyed having me play right along with him.
I’ve been musing on that adventure throughout the week, wondering about the importance of play and celebration. KEEP READING
Sabbath: A Taste of the Kingdom | The Allender Center Podcasts
This week on the Allender Center Podcast, Dr. Dan Allender is joined by his wife, Becky Allender, to reflect on the nature of Sabbath. Last week, Dan talked about looking toward the new year and allowing a season of rest, taking a break from major projects to allow for restoration that will foster future productivity and creativity. Dan admits that, though he has written a book about it, this intentionality in rest is still an inconsistent and challenging practice for him. LISTEN HERE
The TRI Wellness Guide is a practical resource to guide you on your daily journey of wholistic health. The wellness guide will encourage you physically, emotional and spiritually as you care well for you.
