You need a break today.

         We have two paradoxically opposing entities vying for our attention.  The one is work and the other is relaxation.  A strange dichotomy.  The truth is, in this world as it now is, we need both.  And we need them in the right proportions.  It is deleterious to our health if we have one and not the other, which is a worst-case scenario, or if they are out of balance.

     With that said let’s dive into each and see where we end up.  On the couch or in the field; lol.  Actually, what got me thinking about all this is how I spent my day yesterday as a 71-year-old.  I have about two acres that periodically brush hog or have someone do it for me.  I tried growing organic spelt there a few years ago, but that’s another story.  Anyway, I rented a walk behind brush mower.  I was actually back there all day nonstop from 8AM to 5PM.  It is self-propelling, but it is a heavy piece of machinery that is a little difficult to keep in line and very difficult to turn. 

     After that I hurried off to a church function with my grandkids.  Needless to say, I was very tired at 8:30 when I got home.  All day long I infused myself with cherry juice, hard boiled eggs (free range chickens), a few pieces of French Toast, carrots and Japanese yam bites etc. I did take periodic breaks while workings (10 min) to rest and regroup.  And later I I watched a preacher on the TV for about 30 minutes and then I was off to bed.  I slept soundly from about 9:30 to 6:30. 

     So why am I saying all of this.  I’m talking about the satisfaction of seeing a newly mowed field and the thought of replenishing rest after a long day of work and the enticing words of my dear bed as it calls to me.  We need both.  The feeling of accomplishing a task and receiving the utmost joy at the end.  And the added reward of resting in your accomplishment. 

     Yes, we live in a fallen world with thorns and thistles.  But God in his infinite wisdom has provided for us a way to survive and thrive.  No guts no glory, as the saying goes.  I can sense the nerve endings in my fingers and to be honest I was a little dizzy when I got up but the peace I have makes it all worthwhile.

     Go out there and build, clean, compete, serve, teach, learn, go, cut some brush in a field.  Just do something.  And at the end of the day, rest.  A strange dichotomy but a beautiful stitch in our world that God has woven into the fabric our everyday lives.