There is a saying, a proverb I found, that states: “a change is as good as a rest.” An interesting concept indeed. In small ways I have tried applying this proverb. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to have had a visit from the flu bug. My whole body ached, even my hair hurt, and I had zero energy. So, in efforts to not cause more distress by touching my hair and to conserve energy for higher priority things like breathing, I did not shave and allowed my facial hair to grow. It was a change. Now, I am not sure if any rest came from it, but I believe that I did save some energy and time in the morning not having to shave; plus, I probably saved some money too, but I will need to consult my financial council friends to help me analyze the savings on shaving cream, razor blades, water, electricity, etc that was a direct result of the non shaving. I suppose that could be considered a perk; however, I am not sure that I am any more rested or relaxed. You see, I went for my hair cut, and the lady cutting my hair began to educate me on facial hair care. Yikes!!! I never would have guessed there was such an elaborate array of products and things one should be doing; there are oils and serums, conditioners and combs, trimmings and sculpting. Oh my goodness, maybe clean shaving is more time efficient and cost effective after all!
Then there is the change of seasons. That is always refreshing especially as winter makes way for spring. I think that gives us all a bit of a spring in our step. Maybe this is the change that brings the rest the proverb speaks of?
And yet I have not given up yet on my experiment seeking the little changes that have the potential to bring rest. My wife and I have finally collected enough points with our credit card that we could “spend” them on a little get away. So, we carefully reviewed the locations that were offered and thru much prayer and discernment we decided on Las Vegas and booked the vacation. The other morning as we headed to work, we had a very brief conversation that went something like: ‘I am pooped.’ ‘Yeah me too.’ ‘We should have chosen a beach.’ ‘Yep, I agree.’ Lots of laughing ensued, then the words: ‘But, hopefully, a change is as good as a rest.’ It will be the ultimate experiment. I will test to see if going from a hectic busy full pace of life in Saskatoon to probably one of the busiest people-filled cities in the world will be the change that will bring that sense of rest.
Someone told me once that they would rest in heaven. I, at first, thought that was a dandy thing. What a wonderful place to rest. I looked forward to it as I journey thru this life. Then I began to give it a bit more thought. I am fairly constantly calling upon those in heaven to pray for me or for someone or for a cause or need or something… Hmmmmmm… Is that like my phone ringing all the time, and emails and text messages constantly coming in? Now that does not sound too restful to me. But maybe this is where the saying really becomes reality! The change to heaven is the change that does bring rest. And yet we don’t have to wait for heaven, for Jesus said: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Okey dokey… here I come Jesus. So maybe that is it – that as my relationship with Jesus changes, as it grows, it is from there that this long sought after rest is found. It is there that “you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) How silly of me...is it really that easy?
