Resting is Not a Luxury

Treating each other and ourselves with care isn’t a luxury, but an absolute necessity if we’re going to thrive. Resting isn’t an afterthought, but a basic part of being human.

Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

This week as we reflect on the story of Jesus’s interactions with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). let’s start by noticing: Jesus got tired. And Jesus rested.

For some of us, resting doesn’t feel that simple. Rest feels like something we have to earn with good work, or perhaps something we do so that we can do better work. But should we have to earn everything? Or are some things, like satisfying food and warm hugs, just basic human needs? Basic ways we care for ourselves and others? We, like Jesus, can rest just because we are human.

Psalm 127:2 muses, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for God grants sleep to those God loves.” It’s not that work is bad - it’s acknowledging the fear that lives beneath overwork. We can rest because we are loved, and love drives out fear.

Invite Jesus to be with you as you think about the day ahead of you. Where do you imagine you will experience tiredness? What would be restful - an act of care - for you in those moments? It could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, slipping out for a short walk, or eating a nourishing snack. Imagine Jesus offering you those small practices of rest as gifts, one human to another. Will you receive them?