The “Rest” of the Meaning of “Rest”…

Dear Reader:

I had a personal “mini”  epiphany the other day concerning the word “rest.” In an English dictionary the word “rest” has many different meanings.

“Rest” can be a noun or a verb…action or passive…assuring and supporting…being relative to something else or a musical connotation that represents a short pause in the music.

“Rest” can even be something left over after the other parts have been taken away….“I threw away the rest.”

This concentrated thought on “rest” evolved from my stay at Edisto Beach….As soon as I arrived…I felt this release from all my busy activities, lately, with the home renovation and housewarming/birthday party.

For the rest of my stay there at the beach house…I could hardly keep my eyes open…I just felt this sense of peace and serenity and could have slept non-stop for the entire period I believe.

For me on this particular visit….the name of Ted and Brooke’s beach home “Rest in Peace” really meant rest in peace…and I did. All the responsibility that I felt (that had) “rested on me with lots of decisions  to be made concerning the house….the shingles, the paint, the windows….were gone now.

Merriman-Webster Dictionary gives “rest” this definition: peace of mind or spirit

Even though I was physically tired to some extent…my exhaustion fell more into the realm of a need for spiritual rest. 

I am beginning to recognize now that when I feel I have ‘hit a wall’ and need to “rest” I am actually yearning for quiet time…a pause in the day’s activities to regroup spiritually before jumping back into the mundane schedule of the day.

Jesus understood, better than anyone, the need for both kinds of rest….He certainly had his share of days that physically exhausted him and took much strength from him…but over and over again, we see examples of  Jesus leaving the crowds, the disciples and the “chatter” of the world (according to scripture) to “rest in peace.” (To talk with His Father and get himself anchored and his strength restored and renewed before joining the busyness of the world and the unique responsibility that “rested” on him and him alone.)

It was his deep understanding of the double-meaning of “rest” that prompted Jesus to say:

“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.” (Matt 11:28-30)

As I enjoy the last blooming season before the winter hiatus in my garden…I realize that God created “resting” seasons for plants, animals, and man for a reason. While the plants rest this winter…the gardener gets to rest too and dream of spring with new flowers, new opportunities, and renewed hope.

All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.  Helen Hayes

So until tomorrow….Let us find time each day to “rest” ….to find solace, quietude, renewal, and peace …it is better than any nap.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Happy Birthday to Lassie Murray! We love having September birthdays, don’t we Lassie….because of “MUMS”….lots and lots of “MUMS!”

My boys…Lachlan and Walsh at Blowing Rock…Will Lachlan be the middle child one day, like daddy, or remain the baby forever…only the future knows the answer.

* Yesterday was a sad day for me…Mary, our wonderful mail carrier, was “given” a different route and our whole neighborhood is in mourning. So is Mary…but she put on a big smile and promised me to keep praying that she could return.

She was and is the best!! She was there for me when I was really sick, hand delivering packages and mail when the weather was bad so I wouldn’t have to go out….a friend in need is a friend indeed.

• Oops I forgot to give you the Susan G. Komen information like I promised each Friday (yesterday )but here it is today. 
• *Thanks everyone who has donated to date….you make me very happy…it is all I want for my birthday on the 24th…seriously!
• *Starting today…every Friday until Race Day I will add donation information so you will have a quick reference to fall back on for your convenience if you choose to donate this year.…So from now on…if you need the information just check any Friday blog at the bottom.
• 1. Electronically:
  2. http://lowcountry.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/CHS_LowcountryAffiliate?px=13398752&pg=personal&fr_id=5355

  */Or…make the check out to Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure

  (On the bottom left of your check you can either write the name of our team (Legally Pink) or an individual on the team or both if you can squeeze it all in!) Either way we will receive it…) Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

  Mail to:

  Susan G. Komen Lowcountry – 50 Folly Road Charleston, SC 29407