Philippine Labor Day. Through the years I have always sought to do something recreational on Labor Day. I always felt this was a day to relax and celebrate the whole idea of a break. Now that we are under a community quarantine or lock-down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I still feel the same way. It is a holiday to celebrate the whole idea of working, and resting.

I saw a photo online that said, “Do More.” That picture shows a clear visual of what often plagues us — the whole idea that we need to do more. Do not get me wrong. I do not for a moment deny the need for hard work. I have been working hard for almost three decades now, and I know what it is to not know when to stop. Workaholic. That’s what I once was. Today, I still work hard, but am no longer addicted to the whole idea of working. I love my work, and the people I work with. I am very much committed to the mission we have, but stopping is something I have learned how to do. More than that, I have learned, or am continually learning how to rest.

There is a rhythm I am learning to dance to. The rhythm of work and rest. For someone who grew up not being a good dancer, this has taken a bit of time to learn, but I am getting there. The common phrase that’s used is work-life balance. However, because it is never truly equal in time and weight, the balancing act always seems to fail. I have stopped subscribing to that thought altogether. Now, I am learning how to dance to the rhythm of work and rest.

In the midst of the limitations we all find ourselves in during this pandemic, this is a rhythm we will need to continually learn. Rest can help usher in a time of recreation. However, recreation in itself can never be the source of our rest. Our rest cannot be dependent on the circumstances we have. Often, it simply begins with saying, I will stop now. Then, we can let the ultimate source of rest be the One to give it to us.

The Bible says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) May we all find our rhythm of work and rest even in the midst of this community quarantine, be it enhanced or not.