A Lazy Afternoon at Bramblewood

Still Afternoon

"It is so quiet here." Bramblewood thought as he lay on the stone sunning himself. This was one of his favorites places to be when he needed to leave behind his responsibilities and his forest friends for a while. Suddenly the Dragonfly flew over and landed on a mushroom. "You shouldn't be here doing nothing!" he shouted.

"Why not?" asked Bramblewood. "I often come here when I need to rest."

"Where is your family, Bramblewood? Your friends? You left them behind? What about all the things you still have to do. Your garden may need tending or you could use this time foraging for wild berries, but instead, you just lie here! We are always with our family flying together and working and eating. We never stop!

Bramblewood shook his head and said, "Dragonfly, you are so busy darting here and there because that is what God created you to do but even you stop to rest upon a flower or leaf, don't you?

"Well, yes but only for a moment." replied the Dragonfly.

Bramblewood continued, "I was not meant to rush about as you do. We are different and do things differently. It is good for me to be still and take time away from everyone. My family and friends are just fine and the garden is still healthy and growing. What else is there? It is good for me to be still sometimes, Dragonfly. It is good for the heart, mind and soul.

"What is 'soul'?" asked the Dragonfly.

"It's what you feel and how you react to things every day. It is a part of your personality, your character." replied Bramblewood. "Dragonfly, it may be good for me to be here but you, my friend, should take your leave and let me rest. This is my time and it needs to be respected. We will talk later."

"Ok, if you say so!" and off flew the busy little Dragonfly to do what Dragonflies do. As for Bramblewood, he smiled, laid his head down and drifted off to sleep in this still afternoon.

Resting and taking time away from responsibilities is not being irresponsible. We have to put ourselves first in an unselfish way if we are to be of any good to others. We should set our own example and our own boundaries for others to respect, and stay balanced.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(Matthew 11:28-29)