I’ve been intrigued by the notion of Sabbath lately. Sabbath is a Jewish practice to observe one day out of seven to rest from work. In the Jewish scriptures, God worked for six days in creating, and on the seventh, God gave humanity a model to follow of taking a break from work.
This was a particular gift to them following a long season of slavery and oppression – an acknowledgement of the dignity of their humanity.
Now in Canada, we are not enslaved in the political sense, but I wonder if the cultural demand for us to produce ever-more isn’t a kind of slavery. It might be a different kind of “production” for each of us. Maybe it’s to show off a Pinterest worthy esthetic in clothing, or home decor, or artisanal craft? Perhaps to achieve some goal at work, or at the gym, or in the field? Maybe it’s just the demand to be available to the world – at the beck and call of our phone – without a break? Whatever it is that you are required to produce, is your current pace unsustainable?
When I was at basic (a long time ago), someone in my platoon quoted, “Sleep is for the weak, and those who will not fight.” I didn’t like it then, and I still don’t. It’s the kind of thing that sounds like it should be true, but if I look closer, I see the cracks – the breach in the armour. Sleep is essential, and it is only possible with trust.
What does trust have to do with rest? Well, when you’re in the field or at sea, when do you rest? When someone else has the watch. My ability to rest is in direct relationship with the trust I have placed in those around me. Sleep or rest then becomes, not a sign of weakness, but a sign of the strength we have together. I don’t have to be on all the time. I can rest knowing that I’m not alone and that when the time to fight comes, you’ll wake me, and we’ll be stronger together. And I’ll do the same for you.
Of course, for this to work, we need to build that trust. Community doesn’t just happen. First, are you and I people who are worthy of trust? Second, are you and I people who can learn to trust others? And last, are we people who can intentionally rest? These are not yes/no kinds of answers. These are skills to develop and grow in.
You already have the dignity of your humanity. In this season of block leave, let’s take a moment to reflect on the demands and expectations on us. Are they legitimate or only perceived? Let’s not allow them to rob us of the rest that makes us strong and the trust that let’s us rest.
By: Lt(N) Shiya Janzen, Chaplain Course Director
