A Sacred Reflection on Rest

This summer, I was more intentional about putting periods of rest in my schedule. I began by celebrating Pride Month with my partner on the shores of Lake Superior, which was proceeded in my garden, with the familiar comfort of my lawn chairs and favorite cups of herbal tea. Slowing down my brain and body for an extended time helps me “reset” into a pattern of calmness that I need for my life.

I often remember the story from my Christian faith of God resting on the seventh day after creating the stars, planets, all plant and animal life, and every natural thing we know and love, including human beings. The Christian God is said to be capable of all good things, never tiring, never becoming weary, yet he still chose to rest after his work of Creation, which he called Good. If rest for this never-tiring God is good, it is certainly good for me! This yearly early-summer rest is very important to me, even though my work takes place somewhere like GilChrist! I am thankful that the pieces fall together with my work, so I can make space for this rest.

It is quite fulfilling to be part of the team that cultivates space at GilChrist so that people can experience similar rest. I have crossed paths with countless guests who are exhausted and overwhelmed when they arrive and leave GilChrist with immense gratitude for being a space where they could separate physically and psychologically from the work in their lives for a short while. These interactions remind me how important this work is and how crucial rest is for us all. How often do you invite sacred rest into your life?

Erika Boyer is the Caretaker for Environmental Aesthetics at GilChrist Retreat Center.