“To be, or not to be, that is the question.” -Shakespeare
Or maybe “to do, or not to do” would be a better question…
What does it actually mean to be? The phrases “be still” or “cease striving” appear frequently throughout the Bible. You’ve heard the phrases such as: “let go, and let God” or “just be”. But, HOW? What does healthy being look like?
The American culture of busy, busy, busy has worn me down. I honestly struggle to enjoy even 5 minutes of rest. My mind is plagued with neverending to-do lists. I feel guilty for not doing something constantly. Especially now on the mission field, I feel a pressure to make exceptionally good use of my time because so many have given generously to get me here.
I’m only one week in on the World Race, and I already hit a point last night of being completely exhausted socially, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. I know this isn’t what I was created for. I’m not supposed to exhaust myself to the point of not being truly present for any one thing. As quantity has gone up, my quality has gone down. I hate that! I don’t want to do anything half-heartedly because I’ve run myself ragged. It’s not fair to my team or the people I’m here to love.
I’m sure you can relate. So, how do we change this?
The difference between a human being and a human doing has been on my mind for the last year or so. I like to start by identifying the issue and digging down to its roots. I also like words and word roots, so here’s what I dug up:
Being: the fact of existing
Doing: action, performance, execution
It comes down to existence and action. Which is tricky as a Christian because we are called to both be still before God, yet also go out into all the world. Can we live in this world as Mary’s without Martha’s to feed, clothe, and care for us? Is it possible to do both?
In all honesty, I don’t have an answer yet. Maybe it’s a fine balance between the two… Maybe it’s focusing more on the heart posture of opening my hands and heart before God and allowing Him to guide how I use my time… Maybe it’s as simple as planning a day to simply rest…
While on the World Race, my squad observes a Sabbath day each week. Basically, it’s just a free day without any scheduled or required activities. We can use it to rest, spend quality time together, be silent (try this for a morning or a full day – it’s amazing!), go for a walk, read, do laundry…whatever refuels and refreshes us. Or like today, go full Tarzan mode and swing off a rope into the river with a few squadmates! 
Today is my second Sabbath day, and to be honest, it’s still a weird back and forth between feeling like I need to do something, yet also relishing the freedom to simply relax. I feel like the burden of an expectation to perform has been lifted. It is wonderfully peaceful and much needed!
As a step towards becoming a human being instead of human doing, I hope to implement a Sabbath day into my schedule when I return to the US. I want to start taking more purposeful time to simply be, and enjoy the life and the people God has given me. I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet, but I am looking forward to finding out!
- How do you make time to rest?
- What are your thoughts on being versus doing or how to combine the two in a healthy way?
- Any tips?
P.S. I LOVE Australia!!! It’s stunningly beautiful and the people are incredible. Keep an eye out for a post coming soon on all the things 🙂
Victoria, it’s so good to hear from you ??
I’ve learned to “practice His presence” as the “being” goes about “doing.” I pray throughout each day, listening for His voice. I love you and pray as He guides you into every blessing!
Wonderfully written, Victoria! I, too, am just learning the benefits to putting aside the “neverending to-do list”, as you described. I love the “wonderful peace” that comes with resting on a Sabbath.
I have found myself in your situation with Make-A-Wish! There are so many kids that need interviews and only one me. But when I have a period when I lose a child or things aren’t going well, I have to take a break. I feel myself coming apart. Remember you have to take care of yourself too or you’re no good to anyone.
Victoria~I can relate to every word of your blog. Thanks for putting into words what we all need to become more aware of and practice. I love my Sabbath and always learning how to “just be” and sit for a while. ox
I’ve definitely wished for more than one of me! I struggle to ask for help and bring others into my ministry. I could see that as being a big win all around though…those people get the joy of serving, more people are reached, and I’m not exhausting myself.
I’m still alive! 🙂 That’s an important practice, for sure! I need to be more intentional about recognizing and following His voice instead of all the other voices calling me to do more.
Thank you! Sabbath day has already been a tremendous blessing in the past two weeks. 100% worth committing to!
Thank you for the encouragement! Did you learn to Sabbath through your son and the race?
Great piece. I agree. God demonstrated to us a day of rest, so why can’t we see that if our Creator takes a day of rest, how much more we need to! I have always tried to keep that day of rest, but there are seasons when that is easier than others. If I can’t rest on Sunday, then I try to have another “down” day, but honestly it rarely is as much time as on a Sunday. It’s the only day that I can truly feel guiltless about reading or doing something else that I enjoy. I can always tell when I let other things get in the way and I go without that resting time; it just seems that I run more in circles the following week. We all need to be reminded that it’s ok to chill out a day – after all our Creator rested as well! Thanks for sharing your experience!
I’m way behind on reading these, but Omgoodness what an eye opener! Beautifully written and coming from your heart. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart ??????. Keeping you and your team in prayers ????????????
On my comment I just sent…those were supposed to be exclamation points….not question marks ?????????????????????.