Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
Genesis 1 tells us that God created. Genesis 2 tells us that He also rested. This balance of productivity and renewal is something that I have struggled with my entire life, especially in teaching. For a year or two after Covid, I got the balance right, leaving school at school so that I could be fully present at home, but this year I’ve noticed the struggle return with a vengeance. There aren’t enough hours in the day, there aren’t enough pieces of me for everyone who needs and deserves my attention.
Genesis 2:2a By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing;
But I think the important thing to remember about this balancing act is that there is not one right way. God wants us to keep perspective, to make time for renewal. If all we focus on is work, we lose ourselves. We lose sight of what’s important. If all we focus on is pleasure, the end result is the same–we lose ourselves and lose sight of what’s important. Neither extreme leaves us in a space to be fruitful and to multiply good works for others (Gen 1:28).
Genesis 2:2b …so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Precious Savior, Thank You for this reminder that balance is key, that regardless of the work we do, we must find time to renew our souls, renew our relationships, renew our connection with You. Even in this year with its struggles for balance, help me carve out time for renewal each week so that I don’t lose sight of what is important, of who is important. Amen.
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Have a blessed day.