THE WEIGHT OF REST

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 127

There is a particular kind of silence that follows a "phenomenal" Holy Week. It’s the kind of silence where the echoes of the hymns, the weight of the liturgy, and the joy of the Resurrection finally settle into the bones. Tonight, I am feeling every bit of that weight—quite literally.

I’m currently pinned to the furniture. On either side of me (and occasionally directly on top of me), Arlo and Gus Gus have decided that I am the designated resting spot for the evening. If I needed to get up for a glass of water or the remote, I’m out of luck. But truthfully? I don’t want to move.

Tonight, I am deeply thankful for the gift of the pause.

Ministry is a joy, but it is also a marathon. To lead a community through the darkest shadows of Good Friday to the blinding light of Easter Sunday takes everything you’ve got. By the time Monday evening rolls around, the tank is usually hovering right on "E."

But that’s where the "Thanksliving" happens. It’s not just in the big, loud celebrations of the empty tomb; it’s in the quiet, heavy presence of two loyal dogs who don't care about the sermon I preached or the tasks on my to-do list. They just care that I’m here.

I am thankful for a body that is tired because it has been used for good work. I am thankful for a home that is quiet because the celebration was full. And I am thankful for the "forced" rest that comes when you’re covered in fur and snoring dogs.

The work is done for now. The rest is a blessing. And for that, I am truly grateful.

What are you finding rest in tonight?

And P.S. — I'm thankful for Google Gemini that helped this tired pastor write tonight's post (with a bunch of prompts). :)