Nothing may be one of the best things you can do. One day every week. Do nothing. —greensabbathproject.net

In a class on practicing a green sabbath (a sabbath that reduces our carbon emissions), my classmate pondered, “How can I take rest when there are those who cannot?” I pondered in return, “How can we not take rest? We need the energy for others.” We agreed with each other: we cannot take our rest for granted.

Throughout this harrowing pandemic, my colleagues and I led virtual trainings about maintaining personal resilience in a time of disaster. Often these trainings come at the invitation of a bishop who is trying to get staff and clergy to rest. In the training, we talk about the consequences of not resting; we can lose our minds, our faith or even our lives. While the option to rest is a privilege, if we give this one up, there can be serious consequences.

This past summer I had a lot of guilt about not going into the streets to protest racial injustice. But the truth is I am tired. I am weary because of the compounding harm of multiple traumas from pandemic to racial injustice. Therefore, I had to prioritize my health. So, I got into a car with my good friend for a day trip to my spiritual home, Nelson Pond in New Hampshire. As I sat on the familiar rock, breathing fresh air, the rejuvenating spirit of God blessed me. I looked around and reconnected with God’s creation, and indeed, it is very good.

In what way are you able to rejuvenate your spirit today?

—Tamara Plummer

Saints, share your personal REFLECTIONS here: