A LITTLE BIT OF R&R

       According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great storyteller, Aesop, playing childish games with some children.  The man laughed and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous activity.  Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on the ground.  Then he said to the critical Athenian, “Now, answer the riddle, if you can.  Tell us what the unstrung bow implies.”  The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop was trying to make.  Aesop explained, “If you keep a bow always bent, it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit for use when you want it.”

In many ways people are like a bow. We put a lot of strain and pressure on ourselves.  If we continue on for a long period of time with this type of stress, we too will break.
When we are tired, how much easier is it to snap at someone (usually a family member)?  Why do arguments and problems seem much more serious right before bed? When we are worn out, it is amazing how much worse things seem to be in contrast to how they really are. Sometimes we just need to take extra time to refresh our mind and body.

Here are a few listed benefits to a bit of R&R:

It reduces blood pressure.
It decreases muscle tension.
It reduces stress.
More energy.
Increased concentration.
Better problem-solving abilities.
Smoother emotions (Less anger, crying, anxiety, frustration, etc).

Several times throughout scriptures we find indications that we need to take time and rest.  In Exodus 20:8-11, God commanded for there to be a day of rest. Genesis 2:2 and Hebrews 4:4 indicate that even God rested from all the work He did after creating the universe. Also, in Mark 6:31, Jesus told His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”

Obviously there is much to be gained by taking some time to rest and relax.  When we take time to rest we will have a better relationship with our family, friends, co-workers, and just about everyone else.  When we take time to rest we will be at our best physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  We will be at our best for the Lord, if we take time to “loosen the bow.” In this fast pace life and society in which we live, let’s remember that even the Bible tells us that sometimes we need a little R&R.

–Brett Petrillo