The Importance of Rests

Much of my life is filled with music. Notes stream across the page, bringing with them their beautiful melody and harmony. Piano lessons are filled with attention to the notes and the details that accompany them. Performers spend much of their rehearsal time focusing on the most difficult note passages. Music, however, is made up of much more than just notes.

In order to give each phrase its rise and fall, rests must be included in the music. These moments of silence are essential to the piece's success. These carefully planned periods of respite allow the pianist's hand to prepare for the next passage, the audience's ear to awaken with anticipation to the sound possibilities that will follow, and the singer's lungs to quickly fill with a new supply of air.

Periods of rest are important in our individual lives as well. After a period of intense activity, it is necessary to pause and allow the body to recuperate. Equally important, these quiet times also permit emotions to heal and creativity to be replenished. As one breathes deeply, the heart is strengthened and the Spirit prepares to soar once more.

In masterworks of music, rests are given diligent attention and vary in their duration. In order for life to be a masterpiece, the same attention must be given to personal rest; we must consistently evaluate the length of rest that is needed in order to re-enter the symphony of life's melody with the most beautiful tone.

During the rest, thoughts turn inward and take on a highly reflective nature. This is an opportunity to consider the success of the most recent melody and to begin preparing for the next entrance. Just as a musician must be careful not to become too comfortable in extended rests -- which can result in a missed entrance -- so we must monitor our personal periods of rest. With careful attention, we gather our strength and prepare for the new melody that our Composer has in store for us.

I'm looking forward to the new melody that will begin in my life, but right now I'm choosing to enjoy the beauty found in the rest!