Question to consider this week: Are you being a good neighbor to those in your closest circle (i.e. family members, friends, “framily”, roommates)?
The “Y” in the J.O.Y. Rule stands for “yourself.” It may seem kind of odd to be thinking about yourself during this discussion of neighborliness, but taking care of and loving yourself is crucial to being able to love others well.
“Many people were coming and going, so there was no time to eat. He said to the apostles, ‘Come by yourselves to a secluded place and rest for a while.’ They departed in a boat by themselves for a deserted place.” (Mark 6:31-32, CEB)
“But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow.” (Mark 4:38, CEB)
“On the sixth day God completed all the work that he had done, and on the seventh day God rested from all the work that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2, CEB)
No doubt you have heard it before - you cannot fill someone else’s cup if you’re not first filling up your own. Even Jesus knew this to be true! Jesus himself knew his human limitations and he chose to sleep; he even encouraged his friends to separate themselves from the hectic demands of ministry so that they could rest. Even God rested.
We live in a very demanding world where multitasking is a skill worth admiring and we ingest caffeine and energy drinks to try and keep up with the impossible demands instead of actually giving our bodies what they’re crying out for - rest. Are you your best self when you’re exhausted? Do you become more loving and patient when you’re exhausted, or is it just the opposite?
“‘Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.’” (Matthew 11:28-30, CEB)
Working faster and harder and ingesting liquid energy at the expense of our mental, physical, and emotional health is not equipping us to be the kind of neighbors that Jesus calls us to be. Pay attention to your body - the body that God created in God’s own image, in the image of a God who rested.
Prayer: Slow us down today, oh Lord. Remind us everyday that becoming more like you is not just about taking action, but that it is also about non-action. May we spend a little extra time resting in your presence, and may that time of rest prepare us for the work you call us to. Amen.
Written By: Jenny Spidell