Leisure in Work
I didn’t really understand why the associations with “leisure” offend many in vocational Christian service until recently, today in fact. I’ve understood the struggle of it. That whole Mary/Martha dilemma – do I sit, or do I work? I get why many don’t take leisure…the needs of a fallen, groaning world render the concept frivolous to some, uncaring to others, and selfish to many. But I’ve not really understood where these ideas come from.
Thoughtful Responders
Wow, there’s a lot of text out there about how leisure and work relate to each other! I can sum it up for you: Taking time off work, having hobbies as well as a life outside of work greatly adds positivity and productivity to your life. In a shorter sentence, “Don’t make work your whole life.” Enough said? Maybe. Probably not. But not about productivity and positivity.
Leisure in Relationship
Way back when, David and I were working through some significant marriage stuff. Newly graduated with counseling degrees, our earnest effort to find the truth and implement it got a little out of hand. To make sure we were fixing the issues (and who was right and who was wrong), we began recording our fights and conversations. Now, before you fall on the floor laughing, just remember that we were young, dumb, and earnest! And of course, it goes without saying, you did silly stuff too! (I feel better just saying that! Ha Ha!). We certainly were serious about so many things.
Leisurely Relating
Do have a friend with whom talking is a delight? Someone who takes the time to wander with you through the ideas in your head and isn’t put off by the things found in your heart? When you find that person – it’s a rare gift, one to be treasured. I can say with a great deal of certainty, those friendships don’t just happen, they emerge over time and distance as life is explored, entered, and lived together.
Cultivating Leisure
Learning to garden at the Garden House has surprised me. I had no idea how long it would take to cultivate spaces that move with designed life. I thought it would happen after the first season. But instead, it’s taken four years of planting, pulling, wondering, pulling the wrong things, replanting the right things in the wrong location, transplanting them, and watching many things die while others blossomed. In short, a mature garden that’s beautiful has to be cultivated.
Taking Leisure
Leisure. Now there’s a word that connects with pictures! Walking slowly down a quiet, forested lane while taking in earthy sun-dappled green. Slowly sipping darkly roasted coffee, bitterly rich yet sweet. Enjoying a “down the rabbit hole” conversation with a friend that winds around until you finish in a whole other place than where you began. The feeling is of wholeness. Action not fractured or divided by the word, “multi.” The gift is an unfettered relating…to God, to ourselves and to our world. Whatever the action, I give my whole self to it.
