E hoʻomaha kākou! Let’s find rest!

As we enter the season of Lent and Easter we remember the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross to provide us forgiveness and eternal life. In these 40 days, amidst the busy lives that we lead, I encourage you to reflect on how you can spend more time with God on a daily basis and be intentional about finding time to “rest” in God’s presence and word.

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the tasks, appointments, meetings, and conversations within your busy schedule – trying to balance many work responsibilities with family time, daycare, your childrens’ school and sports activities, etc.?

We live in a world that often seems set up to encourage maximizing efficiency and productivity at the expense of quiet time to decompress. Many people view busyness as a badge of honor; proof that they are accomplishing more than the average person. The reason why you’re so tired all the time and why you get stressed-out is because you’re trying to live your life on your own power. God never meant for you to do that.

The Bible suggests a different priority in regard to where we spend our time. It encourages a life focused on spending time with the God who created all things. There are many examples of where we are commanded to spend time with God, listening for his words, speaking to him and worshiping him.

Many well-intentioned Christians get burdened by the tasks of everyday life and never recognize a solution that lowers stress, increases joy and simplifies life.

This solution is a daily ongoing effort to rest in the presence of God. Many people believe that a daily quiet time with God requires a lengthy and formal time of prayer with heavy doses of reading scripture. This is not the case.  Start with just 15 minutes a day talking with God and build upon that.

This may be a quiet time in the morning or before bed to read the Bible and reflect on God’s promises. For others, this may mean a daily conversation with God while commuting to and from work. Alternatively, finding a quiet park or peaceful area outside or at home to reflect on all of the blessings God has given you, may help you 'rest' in His presence.

I personally like to spend time with God while in the car and in brief moments between meetings and events. This ‘ongoing’ conversation helps remind me about God’s grace when I am getting caught up with all the commotion of the daily grind.

In traditional Hawaiʻi, our kūpuna also understood the value of hoʻomaha – a time to rest and rejuvenate. During this traditional season of Lonoikamakahiki, our ancestors demonstrated their appreciation for the bounties of life and the importance of rejuvenation and peace upon the land and among the people.

Our kūpuna also paid close attention to the pō mahina – traditional moon phases – and seasons by which they planted, harvested, fished and worked in general. They understood that their hua hana – fruits of their labor – would be more bountiful with their careful attention to nature and lōkahi – a proper balance and harmony. This is expressed in this Hawaiian proverb:

Kau ke poʻo i ka uluna, ʻo Welehu ka malama
Rest the head on the pillow; Welehu is the month.
Said of one whose work is done and who is able to rest. Welehu is a stormy month when little can be done except remain at home and sleep.

However you choose to rest in God’s presence, make it a priority to find this time on a daily basis.  This rest will surely bring encouragement, hope for the future, and help re-center you on God’s desire for your life.

View the video below for an introduction to the Lent devotionals and an inspirational message from KS Kapālama Kahu Kordell Kekoa, KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong and KS Hawaiʻi Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard.

Sing along with the Ash Wednesday hīmeni

KS Maui math kumu Dane Fujiwara sings the hymn, “Do you know my Jesus,” as part of the Ash Wednesday Lent devotional. KS created Hawaiian-focused devotionals for use by KS students, families and others to celebrate the coming of Easter. Each includes scripture, student and staff messages, hīmeni and more. The devotionals will posted to the KS I Mua Newsroom every Friday leading up to Easter. See the devotionals as they post at http://www.ksbe.edu.

Internal Audit Director Dustin Clevenger (right) shares his manaʻo on spending time with Christ amidst work and family commitments in today’s devotional. Cultural Specialist Hauʻoli Akaka (left) provides Hawaiian cultural guidance for the Lent series.

Akaka, Clevenger and other staffers 'rest' in God daily by sharing mele, pule and manaʻo at morning gatherings at KS' Kawaiahaʻo Plaza headquarters.

KSK Kahu Kordell Kekoa, KSM Kahu Kalani Wong and KSH Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard developed the Lent series. View their intro to the devotionals in the video below.

KS Maui senior Kasey Redman shares her manaʻo on finding time to rest with God in this Ash Wednesday devotional.

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