IN A world that glorifies multitasking and constant output, rest often feels like wasted time. Yet the truth is, rest is not the opposite of productivity; it is the very fuel that sustains it. Just as David in Psalm 23 spoke of green pastures where the soul is restored, we too need intentional pauses to recharge, refocus, and return to our roles with renewed strength.
This week, nineteen colleagues from our department traveled to Dahilayan in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, for a two‑day strategic planning session that doubled as a wellness break. The place was a sanctuary. The cold weather and the greenery soothed my sore body and refreshed my soul. The nature walk, the adventure rides, the camaraderie, and the laughter were all worth the long drive. Such is my kind of green pasture. While there, I realized that since our family moved to Bukidnon, I worked more but got sick less. Exhaustion is no longer as frequent as when I was living in a big city. That change alone has taught me how environment and rest matter in sustaining our strength.
Life often requires us to carry multiple roles: at home, at work, and in the community. These roles are meaningful, but they can also be draining when we give without pause. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. To recognize exhaustion is to admit that we are human, not machines. To see rest as obedience is to remember Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Some of us feel guilty when we stop working or performing. We need to understand that taking breaks is not selfish; it sustains our ability to keep giving. For a mother to continue caring for her children, she needs to stay healthy. Her rest is not selfish but self-care.
A green pasture can take many forms. It may be a quiet corner at home where you can pause undisturbed, a garden retreat where herbs and flowers reconnect you with creation, a coffee shop nook where journaling feels natural, or a walk in nature without your phone. It may be a spa visit, a creative hobby, or the simple act of writing and reflecting. Whatever restores you holistically–body, mind, and spirit–becomes your green pasture.
Rest must also be built into our rhythm. Just as road trips need pit stops, so does life. Prayer, Bible reading, and silence restore the soul, while celebrating small wins reminds us that rest is not only recovery but also a way of honoring what has been accomplished. And rest must be sustainable. Our green pasture may change with the seasons of life, but consistency matters more than duration. Even short pauses can refresh, especially when shared with a friend or partner who helps keep you accountable.
Here’s a bit of trivia on the importance of rest: the word “sabbatical” comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, meaning “to cease” or “to rest.” In ancient times, farmers would allow their fields to lie fallow every seventh year so the soil could recover its strength and fertility. We might not be familiar with that practice, but the principle is clear: rest renews resources. Modern science echoes this wisdom. Studies show that short breaks during work improve focus and creativity, while exposure to greenery reduces stress hormones. Even the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” has been proven to lower blood pressure and boost immunity. These insights remind us that rest is not wasted time; it is restorative time.
Green pastures are not escapes; they are lifelines. They remind us that we are not machines but souls in need of restoration. When we embrace rest, we return to our roles renewed, ready to give again with joy.
Ruth Sitchon Morales is a full-time instructor at a state university in Mindanao, specializing in foreign language education. She is a resource speaker, freelance writer, and textbook author, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in applied linguistics. Along with her husband and their three children, Ruth served as a cross-cultural worker and as an ESL teacher and in China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Africa. Her formal studies in foreign languages, enriched by immersion in diverse foreign and local cultures, have given her a broad perspective on life and a wealth of stories to share with her readers.
