Carol is leading us this month in reflecting on the joy of summertime. Click on her name for her visual and poetic inspiration.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
(Matt 11:28-30)
I’ve been thinking a lot about rest. So I was happy to read Carol’s reminder: Summertime is always a wonderful season that brings rest, relaxation, and rejoicing.
This TedTalk points out seven areas of our lives that need restoration and balance. And the one that resonates deeply is social rest. It’s not an admonition to get off social media. Nor is it a suggestion to separate ourselves from people. In fact, it is the opposite. It speaks to our need to revive our spirits by connecting with people who feed us.
Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Gen. 2: 2-3
This week, I am with my husband and friends in Rocky Mountain National Park. I’m immersed in the magnificence of creation! It’s not easy to impress me – I live much of my year in the Sierra Nevada mountains. But the Rockies are yet another level of beauty.
Am I resting? No. My legs and lungs remind me –I’m hiking at elevation. But for me, this is restorative. To be outdoors, breathing in fresh air, marveling at columbine and wood rose and yellow stonecrop, is my version of relaxing. I’m grateful to have family and friends who feel similarly.
I know I must tend to rest like tending to a fire if I hope to be kept warm. I cannot wait till I’m in crisis, when things are falling apart, or I won’t find it.
So whether it is with family gathered in Lake Tahoe or exploring the slot canyons of northern Arizona, or backpacking in the eastern Sierras, I look forward to connecting with siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends near and far.
And when I do, joy always follows.
Patricia Franz is a kidlit writer and published poet. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Patricia: Thank you for this beautiful post and the reminder to spend time with those who nourish our souls. I also appreciate my time in nature, time in the mountains, time with family. I also have been thinking about the Sabbath day, and asking myself if I keep it faithfully, if I truly rest on that day. These are welcome ponderings! Thanks again.
I’m sure you’ve read SABBATH (A. Heschel). Sigh…
Patricia, you bring another level of rest to all of us. Now, that I have another granddaughter I feel energized by her presence and the warmth of family surrounding me. When I am with the grandgirls, I feel energized. There is always activity and rest follows when they leave. This is the wonder of grandmotherhood, a state of euphoria that I am so glad I can enjoy. The sun is shining today. Another gathering comes tomorrow when my sister arrives and three generation of girls come together. It is fitting that day is Sunday. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Rocky Mts. May you continue to find restoration and joy in your outdoor pleasures and share them with us.
I love that joy follows rest!
Thanks for sharing about your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, Patricia. It brings back memories of my one trip there–a truly magnificent place. Interesting how sometimes it take true effort to achieve inner restoration. Enjoy!
So ironic, right?
We love the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a favorite vacation spot when we lived in Texas. We used to stay at Snow Mountain Ranch, but always took a day trip to the park. Happy memories with our then little ones from those years. Love your photos!
RMNP was magnificent. I was consumed with photographing wildflowers and am now writing ekphrastic poems for them!