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| Rideau Hall, Ottawa |
I love taking pictures of benches. When I worked full time I printed my favourite bench photos and stuck them on the wall in front of my desk. Whenever I felt stressed I would place myself in a picture and imagine being in some peaceful location. Most of us have daily "to-do" lists that prevent us from being still without guilt. Even vacation times can be so busy that we do not feel rested when we come home. The adage, " A change is as good as a rest" is not always true. We forget the benefits of doing nothing at all.
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| Chilling with Glenn Gould, downtown Toronto ON |
This is Labour Day weekend, a brief pause before entering one of the busiest times of the year. For many families, September is the month when new routines are established. From childhood and into adulthood, September filled me with anxious anticipation as a new school year began.
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| Central Park, New York City |
My brother Philip recommended a book called Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton. The theme of the second chapter is based on Psalm 46:10 which says, "Be still and know that I am God". I have re-read it three times now. The author describes how three inventions;- the clock, the lightbulb and the smartphone prevent us from observing natural rhythms and keep us from undistracted stillness.
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| St Jacobs Market, Waterloo ON |
Churches encourage busyness rather than stillness. I remember Sundays as the busiest of days with Sunday School, morning service, and evening service. When our children were young I would get up early to make breakfast and dinner, attend music practice at church, teach a Sunday School class and participate in the services. Pastors would take a day off each week in place of working on Sunday but volunteers didn't have that option. I grew up thinking this was normal and was taught we should always be working for the Lord.
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| Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland |
There are so many empty benches in my pictures! Perhaps it is a testament to the rush and distraction of modern society. We don't pause until we are exhausted or our health breaks down.
We can be still with people around us. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the company of others in companionable silence. Our children do not need continuous entertainment and activity as much as they need to learn the benefits of being still.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28, 29
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