Hi! We are Paul and Gena Suarez from Cool, California. We have four children, whom we homeschool: Paul (12), Luke (10), Levi (8), and Julia Rachel (5). If we haven’t met yet, glad to make your acquaintance!
It’s getting busier around here. The circulation jumped up to 10,000, and we think it will be 15,000 by fall. Paul sold two more heavy bronze sculptures to schools (one in California, one in Maryland) last month, so he is busy, busy getting those out for the unveilings. The kids found a big old turtle, thanks to our friend who came to visit and spotted it slowly crossing the lane, way across the property, with a “WOW! What is that?! Is that a TURTLE?” (Kids went absolutely nuts and spent the entire day observing it, trying to feed it a cricket and getting all dirty—and smelly—by creating its new, grassy habitat). We’re all going in a million directions with homeschool, the art, the magazine, etc. Last Sunday at church, Pastor Joe gave a message that hit home. He talked about the fact that when you go-go-go and don’t take time for rest once a week, you actually get less productive even though you are working at lightning speed. It’s been proven historically that when taskmasters skipped the day of rest, their subjects actually (not intentionally) slowed down for lack of energy and spirit. Did you know that 100 years ago, people slept an hour an a half more per night than people do today? Yet we think that if we just DO more, we’ll “finally” get ahead and find “peace.” We, personally, have been working like crazy because we figure, hey, the kids are with us—I mean, we do take lots of family time. Off to Santa Cruz we went a couple weekends ago for some fun on the boardwalk with the kids, out to friends’ houses we often retreat for playdates (moms gab and talk business, kids have a blast), our four children and I all snuggle in one bed and read Grimms Fairy Tales sometimes while Dad’s burning the candle at both ends (can’t call the man a sloth, that’s for sure!) … However, no one was taking the time to just rest and recharge. The message certainly spoke to us both and we decided to make once-a-week true resting a new habit, so we kicked it off by grabbing some picnic items from the store as soon as the service ended, and heading for the park for some rest and relaxation (Paul and I could talk to one another quietly, or just sit close on the bench and say nothing—what a concept!) while the kids got some fresh air. We had planned to go home and work after the service—Paul and the kids in the yard since it’s “sunflower” time at our house once again, and I on the housework.
It was very good. God created us to rest once a week. Motivation and ambition are honorable and just fine for the right reasons. Working hard and not being lazy is important. but those things out of control are nothing more than idolatry. We had to think on that one, because what’s the point of this life, truly, anyway? To serve Him and not ourselves. Teen years ago, we would have been thrilled to be where we are right now. “If only we could … We would be so happy … We would be so content” … Well, have we arrived? Hmmm. Now we may say, “Oh, this is great, but I am in debt and need a nicer house. If only—if only …” Where does it stop? Contentment is being happy and thankful with where I am now and not with where I could be. I am really excited about Joni Eareckson Tada speaking with us this issue on the subject of contentment. Be sure to read her article, because it will speak to your heart, too, I pray. Anyway, from our family to yours, remember to rest and reflect on Him regularly. Question your priorities. Begin to let go of the rush-rush syndrome, and pray for us so we can do the same. We have begun delegating much of the magazine work out, which is making a beautiful difference. God is sovereign, and we know He has a plan here (TOS Magazine positively dropped into our laps). The magazine will most likely continue growing, the art will probably sell more, but our priorities can certainly use some tweaking. The message on Sunday really blessed u s and helped us regain our focus. We want to serve our God, not our ambitions. See you in the fall!
—The Suarez Clan
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