Rest Stop Ahead
by Sue Hester, Ph.D.
For the last several weeks I have been preparing for a women’s retreat. The theme has to do with our life journey and the difference that spirituality makes. There are several aspects that one could discuss in terms of this metaphor: the preparation and packing for the trip – what to bring what to leave behind; determining your direction or destination detours along the way etc. But one of the aspects of the journey that keeps coming to mind is that of the rest stop: the point at which the journey comes to a halt. Or does it?
Summer vacations in my childhood usually came with a road trip to see relatives or to camp in a National Park. With journeys such as these, the rest stops became very important. For my brothers and me, it was a time to get a little space, run around, play, to have something to eat and/or drink and generally get ready for another several hours in the crowded car. For my parents, it was probably a time to have some quiet, to stop refereeing the quarrels in the back seat and to relax a bit. Rest stops were indispensable.
So too it is with life. Our schedules are crowded with important and valuable destinations such as work; our children’s sporting events and musical performances; our faith communities; and commitments to paying the bills and keeping up the house and yard. But, there are times when we need to pull over to the side of the road, get out of the car and get some distance from the constant hum of the tires. I’ve been experimenting with how to do this by taking some hints from my childhood. Not all rest stops are identical. They have differences in length, and in purpose. What kind of rest stop do you need? Do you need some solitude? Some quiet to listen to the voice of God or to appreciate the beauty of nature? Do you need to stretch your legs, play or laugh? Do you need some time to review where you’ve been and consider a new direction? Do you need some nourishment, or some fresh water to sustain you on the next leg of your journey?
The truth that I have been receiving from this reflection is that the rest stop is part and parcel of the journey, rather than an interruption from it. It is not a place where we dwell permanently, but we do take something of the rest stop with us. When we rest beside the still waters, we return to the road with a restored soul. When we pause to listen, to ponder, to appreciate, we are likely to be better listeners, more mindful and grateful while we are in transit on the highway. We are also more likely to notice when we do veer off course and to be willing to ask for directions when we are lost.
Even so, it isn’t easy to take these kind of breaks. So often it seems unjustified and a bit luxurious to stop and take the time to tend to our needs. You might have traveled long distances without stopping to rest. This week though, give it a try. Take a chance and take that next exit. Enjoy the rest stop and receive what you need for the next stage of your journey.