Human Being, Not Human Doing

by Lori Wilson

As I become more wise (or perhaps, as I grow older and hopefully wiser), I'm learning that my life's worth doesn't lie in productivity. I am invited to be a human being, not a human doing. And yet I have spent decades as a doer, priding myself on how much I could accomplish in a day, a week, a month, a year.

Jesus invites me to take care of myself, to love myself so that I can love others. I hear this clearly in his words: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Not instead of yourself. Not more than yourself. But as yourself - suggesting that loving ourselves is the foundation from which love for others flows. And in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends this beautiful invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

I know that I am not my best self when I don't get enough sleep, exercise, and downtime. The more wise I become, the more I understand my need to live a much more balanced life - one that includes relaxation, learning, prayer, rest, and connection with others.

There was a season in my life when I pushed through everything, sleeping on average five hours a night for more than a decade. It was not good for me in the long run. Now I understand that adequate rest is critical for me to hear God's voice clearly in my life and to be able to respond to the invitations God gives me. This isn't a selfish pursuit but one essential to living a full life - a life attuned to God's quiet voice. Time away, true Sabbath rest, has become non-negotiable.

Reflection questions:

As you sit with this reflection, look honestly at your own life:

• Do you take care of yourself and give yourself genuine downtime?

• What does it feel like in your body and spirit to live a balanced life - or what do you imagine it might feel like?

• How is God calling you here? What invitation do you hear?

• What would need to shift for you to receive Jesus' invitation to rest?

Optional closing prayer:

God of rest and renewal, help me release my grip on productivity as identity. Teach me the sacred art of Sabbath, of being rather than doing. Give me courage to honor my own needs, trusting that in caring for myself, I prepare space to truly love others. May I hear your gentle invitation to rest and have the wisdom to accept it. Amen.