THE BEAUTY AND POWER OF SLOWING DOWN

“And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’
For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:31).

   In the midst of this sheltering of families and the shutdown of numerous businesses, we have been forced to slow down. For many, like it or not, we have been required to rest.

   The present circumstances have caused many of us to reflect upon who we are and who God expects us to be. Scripture reveals several facts about what it means to be human. Contemplate with me:

   We have been made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). In part, that means:

* We were designed to work (Genesis 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Colossians 3:23; et al.).
* We were designed to play (Ecclesiastes 3:4; 5:18-20; Proverbs 17:22; Luke 15:23-24; et al.).
* We were designed to be creative (Exodus 35:30-35; Proverbs 22:29; Ephesians 2:10; et al.).
* We were designed to fellowship (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; et al.).

   Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. So much more could be said!

   However, from what has been offered it is clear that we have been made to be active in community. We have been designed to flourish when we work and play together.

   But there is more to the story! We were also designed to slow down and rest. Far too many of us ignore this aspect of the divine design.

   To live up to our God-given potential, we must both work and rest. While activity must receive the lion’s share of the average person’s attention (Scripture uses a 6 to 1 ratio—Exodus 20:8-11), slowing down to rest cannot be disregarded. Slowing down and resting on occasion is a must!

   Consider what has happened in the world since we have been forced to slow down:

• The water in the canals of Venice, Italy, has become blue and clear! With no motorized boats transporting tourists around, sediment stays settled at the bottom allowing fish to be seen and clarity to abound. Even the local Italians of the old city have commented how beautiful the water now appears. Most of them never knew how lovely it could be.

• Even the seismic activity of the planet has declined! Seismographs (which measure the vibrations of the Earth’s crust and surface, normally referenced in discussions about earthquakes) currently indicate that the whole world has gotten “quieter.” Human activity has declined to such a degree that it can actually be measured by modern science. This is incredible. It is testimony to the power that is found in being still and quiet.

   When put in proper perspective and biblical balance, there is something wonderful about slowing down and resting. While hard work and group activity is to be the norm (Colossians 3:17; Ecclesiastes 9:10), God’s children are to incorporate Sabbath rest and times of observant reflection into their lives.

   This is yet another potential good to come from our compulsory time of sheltering in place.

Bart Warren
Vice-President