Father, we were made to enjoy tending to things, working to create beauty. This was your design for Adam and Eve in the garden and a reflection of who you are: the maker and sustainer of good, lovely things.

But we as humans often strive not to be like you, but to be you. Intentional or not, we mimic Adam and Eve—we believe we can achieve an all-knowing perfection. Thus, we chase career achievements. We obsess over our hobbies. We take what was meant to be a beautiful reflection of you and warp it into our own false god, using our efforts and go-go-go lifestyle to elevate ourselves.

In your name, Jesus, help us resist this temptation. Help us recognize where we idolize our work and prioritize overproduction over you, our family, and your gift of rejuvenation.

Remind us of what it means to rest, and gift us the peace to know that just as you rested on the seventh day from creating the world, we, too, should rest. May we find this rest in who you are and in the promise that you will always sustain us, even and especially when we look to you despite our weak strivings.

In your holy name, Lord, Amen.