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In FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLICAL REST we explored how God has made it possible for us to come into a place of inner tranquility. We now need to steward that precious gift, and increase its effect in our lives. One of the ways we can do this is by developing our relationship with God as Creator. The Holy Spirit delights in His creation, and loves to share it with us. The natural world is filled with His presence and glory [Jeremiah 23:24; Isaiah 6:3]. As we share in His pleasure, and encounter Him in it, His joy and peace bubble up from within and overflow, bringing new perspectives and recalibration. |
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING OUTDOORS
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Recent scientific studies* show a correlation between the amount of time people spend in the natural world, and mental and emotional health. They have drawn the conclusion that spending time in nature is indispensable to health and well-being.
From a Christian perspective, engaging with creation not only makes us slow down and take notice, which is very good for the soul, but the wonder of nature provokes us to worship, and opens a gateway to the manifest presence of God. And we learn; God reveals Himself through nature if we have eyes to see, and ears to hear [Romans 1:20]. |
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IN STEP WITH GOD OUR CREATOR
One of the ways we can intentionally engage with the Divine creator is by ‘seasonal living’—by keeping in step with the seasons. Our ancestors’ lives were dictated by the annual cycle, and there was a rhythm to each day and to each year. They stopped work when dusk fell and started at first light, and each season had its own tasks.
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If we are going to nurture the gift of rest, we have to get off the roller-coaster periodically, and learn how to have slow time. www.rhythmsofgrace/spirit-led-slow-time/rhythm-of-seasonal-living Click to Tweet |
In the western world the divide between day and night has been blurred by electric light, and modern farming methods have changed the ancient farming practices beyond recognition. While we enjoy the benefits of modernity, we are the poorer for the lack of deeply-satisfying rhythms connected with the earth. We need to stop, but the world says work harder, longer, and faster; and rates people’s success by the busyness of their diaries. Even our recreation can be busy. Out-of-school clubs, DIY, gym memberships, sports, activities and hobbies… When do we have time just to be?
The rhythmic action of God’s beautiful creation has a wonderfully soothing effect; the reliability of the turning earth and the returning seasons convey natural ‘laws’ which promise to continue in some form, despite the uncertainties of the contemporary world, with its warfare and environmental issues. Making an effort to connect with seasonal change relaxes us, and allows the Spirit to minister His grace. If we are going to nurture the gift of rest, we have to get off the roller-coaster periodically, and learn how to have slow time.
The rhythmic action of God’s beautiful creation has a wonderfully soothing effect; the reliability of the turning earth and the returning seasons convey natural ‘laws’ which promise to continue in some form, despite the uncertainties of the contemporary world, with its warfare and environmental issues. Making an effort to connect with seasonal change relaxes us, and allows the Spirit to minister His grace. If we are going to nurture the gift of rest, we have to get off the roller-coaster periodically, and learn how to have slow time.
THE RHYTHMS OF NATURE AND SLOW TIME
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Taking time to enjoy and celebrate the rhythms of nature gets us into slow time. Paying attention to the seasons enables us to be quiet and reflect, to meditate on the God who made it all, the God whose glory is reflected in His creation, and whose character is displayed for all to see.
And what we experience outside can influence our lives at home: creative expression, food choices, reading, music and meditation, can all be inspired by our seasonal experiences—we can ‘bring the outside in’ both literally and inspirationally. Living in harmony with the annual cycle is not only deeply satisfying, but can have a profound effect on the quality of our lives. |
We usually relate to the seasons in terms of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. However, in ancient Britain the year was divided up slightly differently with the season of darkness beginning in November, the season of stirrings starting in February, the season of growth in May, and the season of harvest, in August. These ancient demarcations resonate for many, as they describe specific seasonal characteristics, and can provide an alternative starting point for our thinking.
*RHYTHMS OF GRACE:
HEAR & RESPOND to the voice of God
If the Holy Spirit is stirring a response in you to any of this, take time to spend quietly with Him, and reflect on the following questions, allowing Him to cause a response to flow from within…
There are some resources below to help the ‘flow’, but it is important that these are seen as stimuli rather than checklists!
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
If the Holy Spirit is stirring a response in you to any of this, take time to spend quietly with Him, and reflect on the following questions, allowing Him to cause a response to flow from within…
- What are the main themes and images of this season?
- Which foods do I associate with it?
- Can I bring the outside in?
- How can I creatively respond to it?
- Are there any festivals or feasts which fall within this season? How can I celebrate them?
- How can I bless my family and friends?
There are some resources below to help the ‘flow’, but it is important that these are seen as stimuli rather than checklists!
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
And if this way of stewarding your rest is not for you, then be at peace and move on; the Spirit is calling you to a journey that is perfect for who you are…
RESOURCES
For practical ideas on celebrating the seasons, read the following articles which were originally printed in 'Woman Alive' magazine :
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November, December & January: In the ancient calendars, November ushered in winter with the season of darkness. Instead of it being a period to endure until the sunshine returns, let's find ways to embrace it with anticipation and faith, keeping in step with our Lord who is the Creator of all the seasons. Download 'Embracing the Dark Time of the Year'. |
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February, March & April: often the months people find the most difficult. However, we can find things to challenge, inspire and celebrate in this season, even before the joys of full-blown spring. It just depends on our perspective, and on our willingness to take time: time to see and reflect, and time to encounter the Lord who reveals Himself in His creation. Download 'Hope-Filled: the Season of Stirrings'. |
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May, June, July: In the ancient agricultural calendar, May heralded the beginning of the season of growth and life. In this article I explain how the natural world encourages us to delight in rest and play. Download 'Enjoying the Overflow: the Season of Growth'. |
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August, September, October: Let's rejoice in the abundance of God's provision in this season... Download 'Let's Celebrate: the Season of Fruitfulness'. |
And this PDF file gives lots of ideas, and printable quotes for making the most of Autumn:
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Download 'Let's Celebrate Autumn' PDF |
‘Slowness becomes a virtue.
We learn to live again, one activity at a time: this fine sunset, that fine egg, this symphony, that night on a fishing pier.
Slowing down is the beginning of life.’
Travelling Light, Daniel J O’Leary, Columba Classics 2013
We learn to live again, one activity at a time: this fine sunset, that fine egg, this symphony, that night on a fishing pier.
Slowing down is the beginning of life.’
Travelling Light, Daniel J O’Leary, Columba Classics 2013
THE RHYTHM OF PLAY
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Now click on the picture to take a look at the next page...
SPIRIT-LED RECREATION: THE RHYTHM OF PLAY |
RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST
*Sources: Studies by Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; Ulrich et al, 1991; Hartig et al, 2003; Grahn and Stigsdotter, 2003; Ottosson and Grahn, 2005; Maas et al, 2009; Barton and Pretty, 2010; Roe and Aspinall, 2011. Landscape and Urban Planning, April 2012
[Photo credit: Nik Shuliahin @ Unsplash, with thanks]
[Photo credit: Nik Shuliahin @ Unsplash, with thanks]