Rebellion Against This Mad Rush

Sometimes in the confusion we face, we find ourselves longing for quiet places. The intensity of living leaves us breathless from day to day and before we have emerged from one whirlwind, we find ourselves in another. For some this is so because they would have it so. There are some who are reluctant to slow down, because to pause would mean to think, to think would mean to face reality, and reality might not be as pleasant as the unreality of running around. There are others who rebel against this rush – a rush that doesn’t seem to arrive at any particular place. And in rebelling against it we sometimes think we would like to go to the other extreme and rest and relax without any activity. We sometimes even think of heaven as a place of restful inactivity. But that, fortunately, is not the heaven we shall inherit, nor would we want it. Endless and enforced inactivity would likely become as trying as too much rushing around. Somewhere between these two extremes is what we have reason to hope for – a patter that provides for refreshment of mind, refreshment of spirit, enjoyment of family and friends, time to think, time to work – and then time to pause, not too long, but somewhat free from the always hectic haste and the ever-present pressure. No, we do not look for a heaven of unbroken rest; not useless, indolent rest, but only a little pause to think clearly, to rest briefly, to be at peace, to relieve the pressure, and then go back to do what has to be done. Said the Savior of men to those who were with Him: “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.” We feel sometimes we would like to do just that – to get out of the rushing stream just long enough to catch our breath, and then set to, and work again so long as life lasts here, and in that place to which we all shall go – our promised home in heaven.