«Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’ «
(Matthew 11:28, NLT).
Do you feel like you are living at deafening speed? Many times we think progress means things will get done more quickly. Computers, factories and cell phones have a common goal: to speed up a certain process, shortening the wait. We are so used to seeing the world from this perspective, that we almost confuse the words «speed» and «efficiency» in our minds. We are socially conditioned to think fast things are always best.
Although speed has its benefits, Gandhi, the Indian thinker, wisely said, «There is more to life than increasing its speed.» What is fast is not always best. That is why seeds have a latent period. Seeds do not immediately sprout, as quickly as possible, as soon as they hit the soil. If it is winter, or if conditions are not favorable for their optimal development, seeds lie dormant waiting for the right conditions to awaken. If only we had the wisdom of seeds!
Although we often feel exhausted, few of us know how to rest properly, the way seeds do. In fact, I believe rest makes many women feel guilty, uncomfortable or even afraid. We fear resting for the same reasons we fear silence. If we slow down, our doubt and anxiety might catch up with us. So we travel at top speed, with the volume turned up high, to silence the internal voice that asks us about the meaning of life. We keep very busy to numb the pain of loneliness and vulnerability.
However, as American author and researcher, Brené Brown explains in The Gifts of Imperfection: «We cannot selectively numb emotions; when we numb those hard feelings, we also numb joy, gratitude and happiness.» Going at top speed will make us feel less pain, but also less joy. Less love. Less everything. Resting is an act of emotional courage; it is declaring war on consumerism and frivolity. It takes time to get used to peace and quiet. Ironically, at first peace may feel disturbing to us; like an unknown and untraveled path. But if we are disciplined to learn and practice the art of resting, we will reap good results: a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed ability to enjoy.
Dear Lord, I want to learn how to rest. I want to slow down, to enjoy more and to love more. Please give me the emotional courage to stop, to silence the noise, and to quietly seek Your face.
#WomensDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
#MeditacionesDiarias
Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.
