Take Time to Brew Some Coffee...

     I am currently a grad student at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. My first semester of grad school has taught me many things. Whether it be that almost anyone can become a grad student or the importance of community, the fall semester has been fruitful. As Thanksgiving break is quickly approaching and the semester comes to a close, I have come to realize the importance of rest.
     The concept of the Sabbath is mentioned in multiple passages throughout the Old and New Testaments. It is interesting to read how God commanded the people of Israel to take one day a week and rest. Some thought the idea was ridiculous. Others, such as the Pharisees, decided to take the command a little too seriously. Nonetheless, the pattern of working for a few days and taking the seventh day to rest appeared to be quite helpful for those who followed it.
     I have found setting a day aside for rest each week to be amazingly wonderful. I must admit that I began the semester determined to work every single day and learn as much as I could from the numerous books I purchased for my classes. However, I quickly learned that reading and spending my time in constant thought led to fatigue and irritability. It took a weekend of hanging out with an old friend to realize that I need to rest every once and a while. In fact, everybody needs to rest.
     This was a great revelation! Since that weekend I have learned to slow down and become content with not working on schoolwork one day out of the week. Although I have implemented a pattern of practice that eliminates one day for working, I have remained consistent with completing assignments on time. In addition, I have been able to hang out with friends and spend time in enjoyment rather than constant contemplation. (Granted, I rarely come to the point of not over-analyzing everything.) Even the small moments of rest are fruitful. The few minutes it takes to make a cup of tea or brew some coffee in my French press are incredible.
     Thank God for letting us know that it is okay to stop and relax. I would even go so far as to say that it is necessary to stop and relax regularly. In a society where time is money and every minute must be "productive" it is a challenge to do nothing. However, all of us should consider the simple joy that comes from relaxing a bit. Take some time to brew some coffee and resist the urge to multitask while doing so...