We tend to live life full speed ahead – trying to accomplish the many things given to us to do. And consistently showing up to offer our blood, sweat, and tears is part of how we bring more life and goodness into the world. But there’s still a time to slow down and to hibernate – to rest and let our bodies and souls recover from all our busyness.
Nature lives in seasons – a time for activity and growth and a time to slow down and be still. And there’s wisdom here for us as well.
Of course, there’s still much good to be done. And it’s hard to stop when there’s more ground we want to cover. But taking time to pause and hibernate becomes an act of faith – trusting God remains more than able to accomplish his purposes even when we take some time off.
To be sure, we can hibernate by withdrawing from the social and relational demands of others. But the main point here is simply the practice of stillness – to allow our bodies and souls the chance to rest and be renewed.
This might be spending time doing nothing after a long day at work. Or perhaps it’s a time to enjoy the holidays or even just our own personal interests and hobbies. It might also be some type of Sabbatical. Whatever it looks like, it’s taking a break from our usual work and demands. We’re no longer trying to produce and get things done with the same level of intensity.
With nature, hibernation is just for a season. It’s a regular rhythm, but not a state to remain in constantly. At some point, we must return and offer our active presence to the world around us. And we risk burning out and becoming ineffective without this time of rest.
In the end, take time to hibernate – allowing your body and soul to rest. This renews your strength to continue doing the good God has called you to do.
Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash
