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"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going" (Eccl 9:10).
We all want rest. We need rest. I find it really hard to not stay busy. Our parents (who were both great parents), did seem to have a bit of the same problem. They worked, and worked hard. But, when they played, they played hard. We didn't sit around and watch TV at night and God knows we couldn't watch it during the day! We went to church four times a week, every week. Unless, of course, if there was a revival then it was every night. We were busy.
In the summers, we spent our days helping out with the "farm", or playing in the creeks, in the pond or even climbing trees. We read books. Especially, the Bible. Every night our parents read the Bible, out loud, to the entire family.
In the winter, we went to school and did our chores, but nights were for relaxing with family, books, and Bible reading. Unless, of course, we were in church, which in those days could last well into the night. We were taught, whatever your hand finds to do, do it, with all your might. We didn't always do that and certainly was not always obedient, but still it was a good life.
Another verse I remember well was: The soul of the sluggard desires, and hath nothing but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat" (Prov. 13:4). We stayed busy because our parents stayed busy, and I guess I've carried that with me throughout my life. Not always productive, but busy.
Although, I think that's been a greater benefit than detriment, I've learned that both physical and spiritual work can be difficult. Sometimes the busyness of life can be demanding, but even then, I've found it hard to "do nothing".
My grandmother used to say, "Idle hands are the devils workshop." Growing up, I don't think I ever knew what boredom was, so when my grandchildren say they are bored my first response is, "If you're bored, I have a job we'll do together." It works every time. (As you know, even secular psychology teaches when we do something for someone else, it dissipates boredom and loneliness).
When we're too busy; or too lonely; or too tired; or too bored; there is always something we can find to do. As I've gotten older, I'm learning to not let busyness consume my life.
Psalm 34:3 says, "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name altogether". Magnify. The word means to make great or powerful. It's about making God the most important thing in our lives. Sometimes we make busyness the most important thing in our lives.
So, the message for today is, relax. Accept the Sunday's God gives us to relax. God knew we could be workaholics so he said, "On the 7th day, rest". Don't take your time off, lightly. It's one of his greatest gifts to you, and to your family. Everybody needs a breather and God so graciously, gave us one: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). Whatever day your Sabbath is, take advantage of it and rest.
