By Gracie Cadwell - Class of 2024
It’s hard to believe half of the fellows year is already past. Coming back to Charlotte post Christmas break, the first thing we did was go on a retreat to Emerald Isle. The focus: Sabbath. The retreat provided sweet time together, polar plunges (different levels of enthusiasm about this), lots of cooking, games, and best of all: rest in the Lord. The time spent in Emerald Isle was much needed after a full first semester and busy holiday season. It was a time to refocus, refresh and be renewed by God.
Throughout the weekend, we had mini sessions with one of the dearest couples, Dave and Cindy Guthrie. The Lord spoke through the two of them as they shared their wisdom on what Sabbath looks like and how to genuinely rest in Jesus.
A few of my takeaways: God rested and we are made in the image of God; therefore, we need rest too! Who are we to think that we don’t need to slow down and rest? I was reminded that God was the first to rest and this was in a pre-fall reality. Rest is a “norm” of God’s work. Rest in Hebrew literally means to stop or cease. Rest in Greek means cessation for refreshment; to be at ease; to release or let go. These definitions mean so much more when you really let them digest and soak in.
The Hebrew definition really stood out to me because I am always quick to look to the next thing rather than to sit and rest. I am learning that this is my tendency because I often put my identity in the next exciting plan or friendship (I’m a six wing seven on the enneagram). It’s hard for me to cease all distractions and let God be enough. To actually stop and sit in the Lord’s love is such a blessing and a needed reminder of my finiteness and dependence.
As the fellows year carries on and I enter into the beautiful craziness of the fellows curriculum and life in Charlotte, I hope to learn more of what resting in God truly means. In general, my tendency is to fill up my calendar (to literally fill me up!) and I hope to make more space to see what this invitation is all about.