Created To Rest (part 2)
What needs to change?
After a stretch of weekly posts this winter and spring, I’ve been silent almost 6 weeks! There hasn’t been a specific reason, other than the busyness of May and some travel. What I’d hoped to send to you a week after the first essay on rest, is now coming much later. I hope this gives you permission in your own creative work— permission to start where you are no matter how long it’s been (and please know sometimes it’s been much longer than 6 weeks).
This week, I want to explore a question Drew Jackson1 asked in a recent podcast episode2: What needs to change so my neighbor can rest too?
In a recent essay3 I wrote, If you feel like you need to rest, it’s because you do — it’s how you were created — God created us to need rest. We explored the idea that we are worthy of rest — it is our birthright.4 We live in a culture that makes rest seem like it’s for children or for the weak or lazy. It does not see rest for what it is — a necessary time of renewal.
It’s easy for me, in my privileged life, to encourage rest. I have the means (financial and otherwise) to take breaks. I can mostly choose to do less, to pause, to stop, to say no to an invitation or more work. I know it’s not the case for many (or even most) around the world.
In the podcast I mentioned above Jackson follows up his question with this: We cannot wait to rest until all is right in the world. But can we rest in a conscious way? Awake to the realities that are keeping our neighbors from their rest...and moving toward them in solidarity [and ask] 'What needs to change so you can rest too?’
A few weeks ago, we went for ice cream with my parents during a visit. The kids chose their flavors, and we sat down outside to enjoy our scoops. I went to get something from the car, and when I joined the group again, I noticed that two men who had been working on the play structure when I left, were now eating ice cream — I had a hunch my dad had something to do with this. Through the small gift of ice cream, he offered rest.
I know his act of kindness does not solve the whole problem. Ice cream solves a lot of things, but it does not solve the systemic issues our culture faces. Ice cream does not erradicate racism, or create an equitable school system, or pay for end of life care. But what ice cream can do, is send a message that you are worthy of rest. You are worthy of goodness and something cold when it’s hot and you’ve been working hard. On that day, ice cream reminded me again to ask — What needs to change so my neighbor can rest too?
When I hear this question I think of a friend who works as a social worker advocating for mental health policy here in Texas. I think of others who work in education — doing their part to create equitable systems. I have a friend who owns a slow fashion company,5 employing artisans around the world at fair wages, creating financial stability — and I imagine, a little space for rest.
Even if our work is not directly tied to creating rest for others, the way we spend our time and money are. This is a question worth asking.
What needs to change so my neighbor can rest too?
I was at a friend’s house recently for her son’s birthday party — she had a sink full of dishes and honestly, I felt at home. Even resisting the desire, the push to present perfectly on social media, or at a child’s birthday party can help us remember we are human, we have limits, we need to rest — sometimes (a lot of times) there will be dishes in the sink.
My prayer is that you write this question down somewhere. Maybe on a post-it note or in your planner. Maybe you light a candle and ask it at the dinner table. Maybe you explore it when you journal tomorrow morning or on an early morning walk with a friend. No matter how you engage with this question, remember to rest in a conscious way. You can rest as you explore what needs to change.
I wrote these words in April — I won’t tell you how to rest, but I will say to you again and again (and again): you are worthy of rest. You are allowed to rest. God leads you to rest — and today I write this:
We are worthy of rest. We are allowed to rest. God leads us to rest.
alongside you,
Holly
Links & Spiritual Direction News
Sarah Bessey wrote this moving piece on recent events in Gaza — sharing words from Cole Arthur Riley reminding us that the reason why our souls are disturbed is because they are still intact.
I am excited be joining Charlotte Donlon with her work at Spiritual Direction for Writers. I’ll be leading several co-writing sessions each month! If you’d like to join in, you are able to join my sessions for free! I will be leading on June 10, 13, and 20th from 9-11 CT. (If you’d like to join or want more information, you can reply directly to this email or at hollyporterphillips@gmail.com — and i’ll get you the link!)
Earlier this month, I attended the Pastors, Priests and Guides retreat in Chicago — I can’t wait to tell you more about it! (Highlights: cartwheels with a friend, meeting Sarah Bessey and sitting with several people for spiritual direction).
I currently have space available for new clients. If spiritual direction is something that you or someone you know might be interested in, please reach out — hollyporterphillips@gmail.com.
Pastors, Priests and Guides — Sabbath as Resistance
Inspired by the work of Tricia Hersey in Rest is Resistance
Purse & Clutch — I have and love this wallet , this bag in brown, this belt bag and I’ve been eyeing this clutch!
Love this reframe of rest! I've also been thinking through how to meaningfully rest (or even just EXIST!) while there are so many injustices in our world. Thank you for sharing, Holly!