I have a vision of the Holy Spirit leaning against a tree, or perhaps sinking into her favorite chair, and feeling both exhausted and exhilarated after the day of Pentecost. Rushing wind, fire, tongues, and the many gifts of the Spirit that blast into the world on that day must take a lot of energy, even for God. Much as God the Creator rested on the Seventh Day, I imagine the Holy Spirit must need a bit of a breather after her big day.
This is an appropriate feeling as we look onto the Summer. Half of the year is over, and schools, families, and rectors might be considering or looking forward to Summer plans for rest. We need this – time off to recharge and time to pursue our hobbies and personal interests. A couple of days to sleep in, the chance to look at a different landscape, a trip out of our comfort zone give us the opportunity for new perspectives, new ideas, new approaches.
Rest is so important, that we should require it or at the least remind ourselves to take advantage of it when we can. We are called to offer our gifts to our churches, communities, and families and the gifts we offer will be strengthened if we have had a chance to get new perspective and energy and ideas. Find the ways this Pentecost season to rest up for the challenges that the fall will bring.
J. Davey Gerhard is the Executive Director of TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship). He lives in San Francisco, California where he works on diocesan staff for DioCal and worships at Holy Innocents in Noe Valley.
