When my rest is not enough

In a fast-paced city like Jakarta, pressure is everywhere. Between rising global competition and corporate demands, we are conditioned to believe that fast, result-oriented action is the key to survival. For years, I believed that to be dependable, I had to be quick, effective, and constantly in "A-game" mode. I pushed my children to never be lazy and chased ambitious goals, yet my subconscious drive to excel left me exhausted.

Even weekend distractions—Netflix, YouTube, malls, or video games—failed to recharge me. I realized I was suffering from deep fatigue. My fast pace made me impatient with my family, and my boss even pointed out that I came across as "robotic" and rushed. Trying to be "Superman" only led to burnout. I was putting my own plans in the driver’s seat and dragging God along.

Scripture offers a radical, counter-cultural solution to our hyper-active lives: wait and be silent.

• The illusion of secular rest. Doing hobbies or scrolling social media feels like "me time," but it often leaves us spiritually drained. As Catholic scholar Michael Naughton points out, when we don’t get our rest right, we don’t get our lives right. Real rest isn't self-centered relaxation; it is re-centering on God.

• Waiting upon the Lord is an active discipline. Isaiah 40:31 promises that "those who hope [wait] in the Lord will renew their strength." In Isaiah 30:15, God adds, "Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." Waiting is not passive laziness—it is intentional surrender that puts God above our own missions.

• Keeping the Sabbath holy. Exodus 20:8 reminds us to set apart dedicated time for the Lord. Sabbath rest requires turning off distractions to prepare our hearts—whether that means slowing down for daily prayer, entering quiet meditation, or fully preparing our families to encounter Christ in the Sunday Mass.

• Choosing the better part. Like Martha, we get anxious about countless details, but Jesus reminds us that only one thing is necessary (Luke 10:41–42). Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet. Sitting in silence allows us to listen to God’s voice, softening our hearts so we can love our families and colleagues better.

True strength is built in quietness, not frantic busyness. When we stumble into exhaustion, the Sacrament of Reconciliation offers spiritual restoration, and the Eucharist feeds our weary souls. Instead of relying on pure willpower to survive the daily grind, surrender control to the Holy Spirit. Take a step back, embrace holy silence, and discover the deep rest only God can give.