Category: sabbath

Rest is God’s gift.

Shola A.Leave a comment

Eccl. 3:9   What gain have the workers from their toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11 He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13 moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. 

The passage under focus today comes immediately after the popular verses of “there’s a time to die, a time to live…” In the verses above, the preacher (the writer of Ecclesiastes), teaches that it is God’s gift for people to eat and drink and take pleasure in their work. Verse 10 and 13 show God giving us the gift of work and the gift to enjoy work. 

There was a time I would tell myself, “if worrying was a profession, that’s the job I would do.” I had a habit of thinking so much about my past and my future. I told myself that “if I do all the extra work now, I can retire early or have a better retirement.” This kind of thinking led me to working excessively and postponing my joy till retirement.

Perhaps you are like my former self. Even if you’re not, our passage today asks us to consider the balance between work and rest. Both are gifts from God. Stop cheating yourself.

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What is your rest ethic?

Shola A.Leave a comment

You’re probably familiar with the concept of a work ethic. These are the ideals, values and principles that you live by as it relates to your work. As an example, my work ethic includes that I show up on time for my appointments, I strive for excellence in my work, and I keep my commitments.

You likely have a work ethic. Now, do you have a rest ethic? If not, it is time to design one. Your rest ethic, just like your work ethic, is the ideals, values, and principles that you live by as it relates to your rest. As an example, my rest ethic includes that I go to bed by 8pm every single day, I cook my own food at least 4 times a week, I check in with my body at least once a day, and I drink at least one full glass of water before or after I go to the bathroom.

Your rest ethic can look different from mine. In fact, my rest ethic has changed as my life and work have changed. What matters the most is that you define your rest ethic. It will help you rest more.

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