When I was young, Mom would take me to a general store on special occasions. The experience started with a drive over winding roads paved through rolling and wooded hills. Arriving, the store was a classic barn-style, old and weathered. Upon entering, the scents of fresh crepes, fruits and baked goods filled me. My eyes were equally taken by the colors of the various penny candies. The whole journey was charged with early childhood delight.
As I grew up, that sense of wonder appeared here and there. Yet, wonder was slowly replaced by responsibility, work, and direction. Those aren't bad things and are a part of life. But as age increased, awe seemed to decrease.
I catch glimpses of that childhood wonder this time of year. It's Spring here in Victoria. With a little permission, I can feel caught up and lost in the blossoms, fresh warm air, and the frequent deep blue skies with scattered silk-white clouds. Earlier this week, we climbed Lone Tree Hill, and there were countless wildflowers. The varieties seemed to change with each step of elevation. I'm sure it's my imagination, but even the sunsets seem deeper shades of burnt orange now. Some may pass it by, but it's hard to not pause for this fresh and intricately detailed landscape.
Rest and nourishment are what created this Spring fashion show. Creation slept and was nourished during the months of Winter. With the warmth of the life-giving April sun, all things have visibly come alive. This tapestry of life is energy, and this energy will last seven months or so until the next Winter rest.
Many of us enjoy Spring and Summer and may even wish it would continue forever. Yet, we know that seasons change. Energy, output, production and then rest. Repeat that cycle year after year.
Yet, what if there was no Winter rest, and this season did continue longer than expected? Sadly, there would be death. Only so much energy can be expended by these living plants. The splendid colors would fade to permanent browns and greys. It is through those slow and seemingly unproductive Winter months of rest that renewal each year is ensured.
I wonder if this says something about how we may lose our sense of childhood wonder. As we grow up, we begin to set down roots, bloom where we are planted, and produce fruit in our work, relationships, and hobbies. All good, but it is energy output nonetheless. Like the trees and flowers, an ongoing output of energy will lead to an early death. It will happen physically, of course. However, it may mean an even earlier death of our souls.
I've made many vacations working ones. The vacations changed my routine, but they were filled and equally purposeful just as my daily life. I have made play and hobbies competitive rather than leisurely. Simple pleasures get replaced by a pace I have set based on someone else's standards. Stopping, pausing, and living slowly is often resisted.
There are some significant differences between humans and all else in creation. Yet, I don't think there is much difference in the need for rest. Sometimes, whole winter seasons of rest may be needed for us. At the very least, rest is needed on an occasional basis just as the trees find rest at night and during those infrequent, but nourishing Summer rains.
With rest, my life produces more fruit, but that is almost not that important. Of greater value is that I can see the fruit, beauty, and majesty of life all around me as might a child. Greater still, rest allows me to see God as might a child and not as a burdened adult.
I suppose a lot could be said to define rest. That will come another day. After some rest.
Edward Abbey on his first two seasons as a Ranger in Moab,Utah:
Those were the good times when the tourist business was poor and the time passed extremely slowly, as time should pass, with the days lingering and long, spacious and free as the summers of childhood. There was time enough for once to do nothing, or next to nothing.
Mark 10
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Exodus 20
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall do your work, but the seventh is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son...
Rob Jirucha Photo
Rob Jirucha Photo
Rob Jirucha Photo
Rob Jirucha Photo 
