“To know your future, you must know your starting point.”
Starting Point: Roots and Rest
In a world bustling with constant motion, where schedules dictate our lives and stress runs rampant, it's easy to forget the importance of rest. Yet, the essence of rest can be found in our roots - our origins, heritage, and the ancient paths that lead us to a tranquil state of being.
The word "root" stems from the Latin word “radix,” which translates to "starting point". Our journey towards rest is, in essence, a return to our starting point - a reconnection with our true selves.
Resting in our roots is not merely a physical act but a spiritual journey to our first love. This sabbatical journey calls us to reconnect with our heritage through the act of homecoming, finding solace and strength in embracing our roots.
Ancient Way, Embracing Homecoming, Comfort and Heritage
My mother enveloped us all—my wife, my kids—in her embrace. In her arms, we find solace and belonging, for her embrace is enough.
Our mothers, the embodiment of comfort and heritage, have embraced us since our earliest days. Their embrace provides a sense of belonging, a place where we can rest and find peace amidst life's turbulence. The journey to embrace our roots is akin to a pilgrimage, where we stand at the crossroads and seek the wisdom of the old paths. As the Prophet Jeremiah wisely stated, “Ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.”
The very essence of rest is intertwined with the journey along ancient paths. The German word "Rasta," which means "league of miles," and its Hindi counterpart "Rasta," "way," signify a journey that leads us home.
Our mothers' embrace, after the miles we've traversed, feels like a sweet reprieve. It's a comfort akin to the Divine's embrace, a solace as comforting as the Spirit's touch, and a homecoming that resonates deep within our souls. The ancient path, marked by tradition and heritage, guides us toward a rest that is divinely ordained.
Where can we find the true rest?
In the words of Jesus Christ, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." True rest is not just a cessation of activity; it's a spiritual state that envelops us when we find our way to the ancient-future path, The Way. When we align ourselves with this path, we discover a profound rest that rejuvenates our souls.
Ancestral Wisdom and Truth, Whispers of Continuity: Cultivating Legacy and Growth
My mother-in-law gave me a tribal costume, a special gift prepared by the women in the village. The intricately handwoven costume holds specific meanings and expressions, telling a story, especially for women.
Ancestral wisdom is a treasure trove that spans generations. A tribal costume woven with care and meaning embodies the stories and legacies of those who came before us. Such stories are whispers of continuity, inspiring us to cultivate growth both individually and collectively. Identity is essential for continuity. A strong identity forms the foundation for this continuity, serving as the conduit to rest.
No matter our circumstances, whether leading a nomadic life or feeling like a citizen without a country, we can rest when we embrace our identity as "pilgrims." To affirm "I am a child of God" is to recognize a profound identity transcending borders and temporal limitations.
Ancient Roots (Life), Sustaining Tradition Through Generations For Stronger Future
Our life began in a modest village where simplicity reigned. My wife emphasizes ancestral ties, prompting dedicated investments of time and resources for the children's connection to their roots. Sustenance came from rice, the essential energy source. Unhusked rice is stored as fuel for daily tasks, empowering all actions.
Our origins often lie in simplicity, in the unadorned and the pure. In a Naga village, rice sustained us—both literally and metaphorically. The unhusked rice grain symbolizes the potential within us, the energy needed to accomplish our purpose. In a similar vein, the teachings of Jesus Christ serve as the source of energy that supports humanity's movement toward a peaceful and green future.
Our responsibility to future generations is clear: we must preserve our heritage and knowledge. As the psalmist writes, “That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children.” Sing a song about the Genesis of life for a stronger future
Doing so, we cultivate hope, safeguard tradition, and ensure a stronger future for all.
In embracing our roots, we find rest. This rest isn't merely a break from the world's demands but a deep connection to our essence, to our heritage, and to a purpose that resonates across time.
As we walk the ancient path guided by the whispers of our ancestors, we uncover a rest that nourishes our souls, strengthens our identities, and fuels the journey toward a future firmly rooted in the way, the truth, and the life.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me"- Jesus Christ.
If you missed the previous post on our Sabbatical Journey, Click Here.
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