R & R and TLC

Some decades ago, Stephen R. Covey advised busy people about effectiveness in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It is a book designed to help with personal, interpersonal, and organizational effectiveness. In it he identified one of the seven habits as “Sharpening the Saw.” In this chapter, Covey tells a story of lumberjacks felling trees with handsaws. The first gets right to sawing and labors furiously to get through the thick trunk of the tree. The second takes time to sharpen the saw. This was not a waste of time, because this lumberjack finished the task before the other launched into sawing right away. The sharpened saw was more efficient.

With this metaphor, Covey encourages people to keep sharp the personal self so that they can better deal with life. He identifies four key dimensions of life for regular renewal (sharpening): strengthening the body, brain, heart, and soul. As you can imagine there are many details that go with how a person can design these strengthening ways. I mention this principle of sharpening the saw because of the Psalm and the Gospel for this Sunday.

Taking care of oneself comes into the passages from the Gospel According to Mark and the Twenty-Third Psalm. In Mark, chapter six, a lot has happened that makes the disciples ready for refreshment and renewal. They have just come back from a mission of teaching and holy action. They have probably just received the news that John the Baptist, has been beheaded. It is no wonder that Jesus said to them. “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.” The narration goes on to say, “For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.” Jesus knew they needed this time to re-boot their bodies, brains, hearts, and souls.

The twenty-third psalm is King David’s description of how God cares tenderly, lovingly, and effectively for members of the flock so in need of rest and restoration. All needs are met. You shall not want. You lie down in grassy meadows. Quiet waters are there to quench your thirst. It is resuscitating; God brings you back to life. You are put on pathways of justice. You may walk in the vale of death’s shadow, but you fear no harm. Because God is with you with rod and staff for your guidance and protection. Enemies are present there but you are safe enough for God to set out a table for you.

At this point in the psalm, it almost becomes a description of a pastoral spa. Hebrew scholar, Robert Alter, whose translation scholarship is reflected in the above paragraph says more to indicate that the anointing of the head phrase is not the verb for religious anointing; it is more sensual than sacramental. The translation lends the meaning, “You moisten my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Professor Alter would let you know it makes the scene luxuriant: oiled hair and scalp, and a cup brimming with wine. Imagine your champagne glass at the spa, never empty. Goodness and kindness pursue you all the days of your life, and you dwell in the house of the Lord for many days. Are you all saying with me, “Sign me up!” Yes! That is because we need this kind of tender loving care: true rest and relaxation. Find ways to allow God to bring you back to life.