Lori and I have spent a number of years learning to slow down and rest. The Bible tells us to do it, and science has shown us the way not doing it harms our bodies, minds, and marriages. Still it’s a struggle, even when you decide to do it. The world seems impressed by busyness. Most men, and I suspect women as well, feel lazy if they’re not far too busy.

A couple of weeks ago we had our writing day on the beach near Port Angeles WA. This was a last minute rescheduling when we learned our son’s place, where we’re staying, had been evacuated due to forest fires in the area. We needed a good Internet connection, and we were blessed to find one on short notice.

We took a break from writing to walk the beach; you can only write for so long before you stop making sense! The next morning when Lori was done with her chores she went for a stroll by herself. I loved seeing her do this. She used to feel she had to work all the time (bad tapes from growing up), and almost never stopped to enjoy life. The beach was a two-minute walk away, it would have been a crime to waste it!

Another way we stop and rest is doing “Daily Office”. This is an antiquated term for a break to be with God. Monks, nuns, and others of the like do these half a dozen times a day or more. I do two each day on a regular schedule, as this is what works for me. Lori is a bit less rigid, but also makes time to stop and be with God during her day. These breaks can be as short as a couple of minutes. We pray and read a bit of scripture or a devotional. It keeps us aware of God and what’s important, even as we busy ourselves with the necessities of life. We find it a great blessing not just as we do it, but all day long. Learning to have times of work and times of rest is a good thing!

~ Paul – I’m XY, and I want my wife to learn to slow down and enjoy God’s creation.

Resource: If you are interested in trying Daily Office, I suggest Daily Office, a small devotional that teaches about doing a daily office, and about rest and other important things so many of us lack.  (The Daily Office book is by Peter Scazzero, author of the great but challenging book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It’s Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature)

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