NO REST FOR THE WEARY

(IT’S NOT REST THE WEARY NEED)

I’m weary, and I know a lot of other people are weary, too.  It’s been a long year….actually for those of us in Northwest Florida, it’s been a long almost 3 years, and it has taken its toll.

For me, weary is different than “tired”.  Tired is part of weary, but weary is more than that.  Weary is this unique combination of physical, emotional and spiritual tiredness, wrapped up in some stress and sprinkled with uncertainty.  

The reason I know I’m not the only one who is weary is that I’ve seen an increase in articles, and posts and memes about “boundaries” and “self-care”, and to me this signals a weariness that is more widespread than just my address. 

I got to thinking about the solution to weariness…because that’s what I do….I look for solutions and ways to “fix” that which is troubling me.  I wondered if “rest” was the solution…is it possible we need to rest to combat the weariness?  Is it “action”?  Do we need to “do” something to combat the feelings of uncertainty that lead to weariness?  Do we need a plan, a formula for counteracting this malaise…something that will get us back to “normal”?  

I have come to the conclusion that the answer is “maybe” to all of those questions….because I think finding our way out of weariness is a very personal journey, and I think it involved elements of all of the things…rest, plans, actions…in different combinations for different people.  

I do think there is one element that is foundational for all other “weariness busting” to take place.  I think that element is HOPE.  Without HOPE, it feels impossible, no matter how much we rest, plan, or take action.  

I’ve heard lot of talks about what HOPE is, and where you find it.  I’ve read articles that purport to tell me how to find HOPE….but I’ve come to a place in my life where I also believe that HOPE is a deeply personal journey.  Where I find HOPE will differ from where you find HOPE….and me telling you where to find your HOPE assumes my solution is the only “correct” one.  I used to think I had lot of answers.  What I’ve come to learn is that I have lot of experiences, and I have lot of questions….but I’m not so sure I have any “answers”.  I can tell you what worked for me, and encourage you to benefit from my experience, but it might not be the “answer” you need.  

So, where can some find this important element called HOPE?  For me, I find it in sunrises, and flowers that bloom.  Lately, I’ve found HOPE in a small black kitten who likes to run and play like a madman and then snuggles up, purrs and falls to sleep without a care in the world.  Recently I found HOPE in two kind women who were willing to go out of their way to help me out of a jam.  

So, this past week, I was able to take a physical rest, and focus on these rays of HOPE, and I feel a little bit less weary.  I think that might be the process….acknowledge the weariness, take the time to find some rest from the stressors of the world, and focus on a ray (or two or three) of HOPE.  

I didn’t get weary overnight….it’s been the combination of a Hurricane and a pandemic, along with the constant barrage of tragedy, strife and division over the last nearly three years that has led to the feelings of weariness.  I won’t feel “un-weary” in one afternoon….it’s a process and it requires my intentional attention.  I won’t see the finish line when I take the first step, but I know I’ll be one step closer when I take that first step….and then the step after that…one step at a time, focused on HOPE.  I believe it will work, and that also gives me HOPE, and in turn I pray I can inspire someone else to take that first step.  

I don’t want to return to “how things were”, but I am optimistic that “how things will be” is going to work out just fine….and that also gives me HOPE.  I hope it gives you some HOPE as well!!