From the Head of Junior School, Brooklyn Park

The rest we really need

My husband and I have quite different ideas of what a holiday is for. When I dream of heading away for some much-needed vacation time, images of warm sunny weather, a glistening pool, a pile of books and delicious plates of food being delivered to my pool-side chair, tend to be where my mind drifts off to. On the other hand, my husband is all about the adventure. Exploring new places, a picturesque landscape, rugged hiking experiences and plenty of activity, is closer to what he would define as a holiday worth taking.

Recently, he was excitedly sharing with me the vision he has for a possible trip to New Zealand. Over the course of eight or nine days, we would drive the full length of the country, stopping at a different place each night. We would hike, canoe and explore through a pile of different places, experiencing as much as we possibly could of the beautiful countryside, towns and cities. What sounded like an epic adventure to him, sounded utterly exhausting to me! Halfway through the explanation, I had already googled possible flights to Fiji instead.

This got me thinking about rest and what this means to different people. My husband is energised by activity and people, whereas I need a little more peace and stillness to recharge. We both enjoy and benefit from a combination of adventure and relaxation, and over the years we have learned to plan a balanced rhythm to our trips to ensure that both of our ‘batteries’ can be sufficiently recharged.

I think most of us understand the need to relax and reset. Our lives are full, and the demands on our time and energy are constant. We know how important it is to make space for rest - our bodies and minds are so much better for it!

In Matthew 11:28-30, we read the words of Jesus, as He reminds us to come to the Father when we need true rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Of course, the rest that Jesus is describing is so much more than physical rest. It is a rest for our souls. 

We are invited to bring ourselves, with all of our cares, worries, burdens and striving, into His loving presence and surrender it to Him. This isn’t a temporary easing, but a promise that Jesus will then continue to walk with us, strengthening us in our weakness and gently guiding us through every season.

True rest isn’t found in a tropical escape or a mountain hike. It’s found in the presence of a God who knows us intimately and loves us completely.

Whether we’re lying poolside or trekking through valleys (literal or metaphorical), His rest is available to us, steadying our souls and reminding us that we don’t walk alone.

So today, in the midst of the noise and busyness of life, may we pause. May we come to Him, just as we are, and receive the soul-deep rest He freely gives.

Marni Greenwood

Head of Junior School, Brooklyn Park