Rhythms of Rest

“We called the beginning of summer ‘face planting,’” Tanya joked. We were talking about the strange rhythm of a teacher’s summer, the exhaustion that hits after a hectic semester. After 30+ years of classroom experience, my friend shared that her rhythm of summer was well established, “After the final stretch of classes you entered summer needing to do nothing. In fact, you entered summer ‘face planting’ into whatever you were doing.”

I remember that feeling of summer “face planting” from my time at Black Forest Academy. Last minute curriculum adjustments, assessments, grading, and wondering where in the world my careful planning had gone all left me frazzled and ready to crash (or “face plant”) by the time the first day of break hit. Teachers across the globe are familiar with the exhaustion that hits as you wrap up the school year and enter summer break.

I asked Tanya what she would recommend for teachers entering the summer. She said,
Accept exhaustion. It’s ok. Don’t be surprised if after exams are done, you have all these ideas for fall. But don’t act on them quite yet. Take the chance to do nothing. Write down your ideas and let them go, revisiting them at the end of summer.

In other words, rest is the name of the game for the summer. However, we often feel guilty for resting and don’t even know where to begin to get the soul-rest we desire.

Significantly, Jesus Himself encourages us to rest, and illustrates this not just in word but in deed. Jesus says,
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30[1], italics added)

Learn from me - Jesus encourages us to live by His example. With that, my mind immediately goes to the popular 90s’ WWJD bracelets, “What would Jesus do?” My parents encouraged us to think of this when we siblings were fighting. It didn’t always work, but it clearly stuck in my mind: What would Jesus do? If Jesus’ example shows siblings not to fight, how much more can He teach weary teachers how to rest? Before Jesus even began His ministry, He spent time away from people in solitude (Matthew 4). Throughout the gospels we see Jesus continuing a rhythm of rest by withdrawing from the crowds after busy ministry moments (Mark 4:35, 6:45). Jesus’ way of resting was a wholistic integration of solitude and community. In John 2 we see Jesus celebrating a wedding with friends. I’m sure that included a lot of laughter and dancing. If we apply WWJD to rest, we should start thinking about times we can withdraw from community, and times we can come together.

I will give you rest - Jesus is our place of rest. We will not receive rest from any other person or place unless our rest is anchored in Christ. This means not only incorporating times of solitude and times of community in our rest routine, but also intentionally spending time with Jesus. Jesus says, “Come to Me.” So take your Bible, go on a walk, or whatever way you best spend time with Jesus, and go to Him. He will give you rest.

Wrapping up a busy season of teaching? Getting ready to “face-plant” into summer? Set aside a little time to plan your rhythm of rest. Being intentional about our resting will maximize our ability to truly rest, instead of accidentally killing all our brain cells on Netflix while we veg out. So what does rest look like for you? Could you do a Bible study on the ways Jesus rested? Rest could include a retreat away from your home in which you practice the spiritual discipline of solitude (even if it’s hard for you to be alone). But it also includes knowing what brings you joy. Do you love spending time with friends around a fire pit? Then plan on that. Make time for it. Do you love watching movies? Make sure you have time for that. Ideally, integrate periods of rest even during the semester through spiritual practices like keeping the sabbath (no chores or grading!) so that you won’t be burned out by the time summer comes around. But when summer does come, embrace the time of doing nothing to the full extent of your ability. Pair it with some intentional Jesus time, and enjoy Him and the rest He gives!

Tessa Sydnor
After teaching at Black Forest Academy, Tessa now works with TeachBeyond’s Global Member Care team the Spiritual Direction and Formation Coordinator. Her responsibilities include offering spiritual direction to anyone who is interested, as well as creating devotionals and bible studies as resources for members. Tessa has written the book Spiritual Disciplines for Creative Learners and has appeared on TeachBeyond’s Podcast. She loves to blend art and spiritual formation.