The Rhythm of the Spirit vs. The Rhythm of the World

I've just returned from a week-long sabbath in Upper East Tennessee. Two days were spent hiking, but the majority of the time was spent doing various chores at the cabin -- preparing to paint, painting, hauling wood, moving smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and other stuff.

"I wish you didn't have to spend all of your vacation working," my mom said to me.

My response was something to the effect of, "Well, at least I'm not sitting behind a desk."

Whether at The Meadow or The Daily Times, most of my work is done behind the desk, either creating a daily news report or finding a way to share the Good News on Sunday. Brain-work doesn't stop there: There is the occasional class that consumes my mind, the upcoming one being "Personal and Social Ethics."

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands," the Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, suggesting that staying busy with your hands keeps one from being a busybody and being part of the proverbial "devil's workshop." Still, I think working with your hands has another benefit: It frees up your mind to think of the things of God.

Hiking The Appalachian Trail and doing handyman stuff around the cabin this past week were both largely physical experiences that did just that for me: My mind was free to pray, to ponder Creation and Creator, and to allow myself to be renewed. In the busyness of my life, I miss such times.

The rhythm of the Spirit with its times of renewal produces harmony within an even pace, while the rhythm of the world strikes dissonant chords in the midst of an uneven beat.

Thankfully, we always have a chance to change our tune.