May is a quieter month for us at West Suffield Congregational. Easter has passed, the rummage sale is behind us, the children’s choir has sung its heart out—and now, we are resting. This kind of season is a gift. In a world that rarely slows down, we are given the opportunity to breathe deeply, to reflect, and simply to be. These quieter moments are not empty; they are full of grace, renewal, and gentle reminders of what truly matters.
Christians are often “doers.” We pour ourselves into service, into ministry, into caring for others—and that is a beautiful thing. But our worth has never been measured by how much we accomplish. Life changes, and so do we. Our abilities shift over time, and that is not something to resist, but something to receive with grace. We are not called to constant striving, but to faithful living—and sometimes faithfulness looks like rest, trust, and letting go of the need to prove ourselves.
I once knew a parishioner who embodied this struggle. He had always been a worker, always busy, always contributing. Even in retirement, he found new ways to stay active, pouring himself into the life of the church. But when time required him to slow down, he found it deeply frustrating. He would say, “I’m useless… I’m worthless… I’m good for nothing but sitting here.” Yet nothing could have been further from the truth. His presence, his kindness, his very being brought joy and comfort to those around him. It was a reminder—for him and for all of us—that our value is not in what we do, but in who we are: beloved, created, and cherished. What greater meaning or purpose could we possibly have beyond the sharing of ourselves, our genuine, authentic, created selves?
In a culture that pushes us to keep moving, learning to simply “be” is a quiet act of faith. It is in these moments of stillness that we remember who we are, and whose we are. Rest is not the absence of purpose; it is where purpose is renewed. So, in this quieter season, may we receive the gift of rest with open hearts, trusting that even in stillness, God is at work within us.
So, for this quiet month, come and find rest. 10 a.m. services as usual. There will be plenty of time for “doing” at a later date.
Photo provided by the author Flowered Cross made for Easter.
Blessings on your day!