Abba Anthony And The Bow

Enjoying Resting Places

Nov 7, 2005

Saying For Today: Seeing ourselves in the context of Providence and our own small part, as well as seeing our mutual dependence on all other persons in the Providential Design, encourages us to rest and enjoy Sabbath times of quit refreshment.

A hunter in the desert saw the early desert father Abba Anthony enjoying himself with the brothers, and he was shocked. Wanting to show him that it was necessary to meet the needs of the brothers, the aged Abba said to him, "Put an arrow in your bow and shoot it." He did. The Abba said, "Shoot another," and he did so. Then the Abba spoke, "Shoot again," and the hunter replied, "If I bend my bow so much, I’ll break it." The Abba said, "It's the same with God's work. If we stretch the brothers beyond measure, they'll soon break. Sometimes it's necessary to come down to meet their needs." Upon hearing this, the hunter was pierced by regret and, greatly edified by the Abba’s wisdom, he went away. As for the brothers, they went home strengthened.

We are not to engage in relentless pursuit of accomplishment. By having respite, such as daily and weekly Sabbath time, we can be refreshed and, in the long run, take care of our selves better and be an example of faith to other persons. Seeing ourselves in the context of Providence and our own small part, as well as seeing our mutual dependence on all other persons in the Providential Design, encourages us to rest and enjoy Sabbath times of quit refreshment.

This Shepherd makes it possible for me to lie down in green fields,
The Friend leads me beside waters of quiet, resting sites,
This Companion restores my vigor ….
(Psalm 23.2-3; Author’s Translation)

Spiritual Exercise
1. Do you find adequate time to rest, through exercise, recreation, relaxed conversation and wholesome fun with friends, and sleep?
2. Do you have a weekly Sabbath day?
3. Do you take at least a week of retreat yearly to spend time with God alone?
4. Do you have Sabbath time daily? Explain.
5. Read Psalm 23.1-4 over at least three times, slowly. What stands out to you as a word for you, today? What might God be saying to you through the word?

Prayerful Affirmation
I enjoy refreshing moments of rest throughout the day and night.

Prayer
Beloved, my Love, teach me so to trust that I enjoy time to relax, rest, and have fun, both alone and with others. Amen.

OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spirtual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net .