Journal of Sacred Work

Today's meditation was written by Cathy Self, Senior Vice President for the Baptist Healing Trust.

 "Silence is the fabric upon which the notes are woven" – Lawrence Duncan.

        Rest seems as important a part of the arts as the work of the brush or the focusing of a lens. It's been said in music the pause is as important as the note. To rest is certainly an imperative for leader and caregiver alike, yet it is the most often overlooked vital element of sacred work and Love that is radical. A scholar in the field of leadership has recently asserted that the average number of daily work hours for Americans has increased by 14.5% over the past years, although many have voiced a perception that the increase seems much larger! For American leaders, that figure has risen an additional 22% resulting in an average working week of almost 60 hours (G.Thornton, 2008). We are a hard working people, but what about time of not-working, a time to re-create?

     Rest is often defined as a cessation of energy-requiring activity allowing for physical and mental renewal and revitalization. My personal physician, Dr. John Thompson, commented this week that rest and sleep are the opportunity for our bodies and mind to hit the "reset" button – at least, he mused, when we experience "good" rest and sleep. It seems in our quest for job security, profit margins, market share, recognition, productivity – or even from a stoic determination that believes it can meet every need - our psyches have become compelling engines that continue their incessant drone even when our eyes have closed and our consciousness has let go its tight grip on mind and heart: we should, we must work without ceasing and, often, without joy. Somehow, in some way, taking time for rest has become associated with weakness, low commitment, or misplaced loyalty. I hear and see that deceptive voice echoed in the lives of caregivers every day.

     Maybe it is time to redefine success. I love the metaphor of the winemaker and the first cup as a reminder to take care of myself in ways that make it possible to be Love in this world. According to the winemaker, no matter how carefully the juice is filtered, small bits of grape pulp or skin find their way through into the bottle of what will become a sweet wine. These small bits and pieces are referred to as the "dregs." Although most would not be able to distinguish the difference between the first cup of wine that is later poured and the last cup that comes from the bottom of the bottle, connnoisseurs are adamant that the first cup is the sweetest. The wine that comes from that place where the dregs have been is more bitter.

     It seems so many of us give from the dregs, with little rest, revitalization, re-creation in our lives. Those who receive our care may not know, but we know – when we are honest – that often what we give is not first cup. To pause, to ponder a happy distraction or a compelling film – time to rest, to revitalize, to re-create – can this become an imperative? Are you willing to give of your first cup? Love asks no less and welcomes us to that place.