Work & Rest

Work and Rest: A Sacred Balance

The Bible calls us to be servants and to obey God's commands. From the very beginning, God established a rhythm—creating day and night, the sun and stars, and breathing life into existence. And on the seventh day, He rested. At North Star, we believe in the importance of balancing diligent work with intentional rest. We strive for excellence and mastery in learning while encouraging curiosity and broad thinking. At the same time, we emphasize the necessity of rest—making space to connect with God, nurture relationships, and honor the Sabbath.

The Sabbath may look different for each individual and family, but its significance remains the same: obedience and renewal.

A Culture of Restful Learning

At North Star, we intentionally incorporate times of rest into our educational rhythm—through at-home learning days on Fridays, Enrichment Weeks, and school breaks. Our approach is rooted in the concept of Scholé, which means "leisure learning." Scholé invites us to seek Goodness, Truth, and Beauty in all we do, both inside and outside the classroom.

One example of this approach is Mrs. Matlin's Beauty of Math initiative. Over the next few weeks, each math class will embark on a journey to explore how numbers and nature intertwine. Have you ever paused to admire the intricate patterns of a flower? Counted its petals? Observed the symmetry in creation? God has woven numbers into nature in a breathtaking way, and we encourage our students to slow down and notice these beautiful connections.

Fridays: A Gift of Growth

Our Learning at Home on Fridays are a gift. They provide structured learning while allowing space for personal growth, discipline, and meaningful family time. We partner with parents to equip, form, and educate children—not only in knowledge but in God's truth and the shaping of their hearts, minds, and souls.

Additionally, we have built two Enrichment Weeks into the school year to provide families with the margin to travel, visit museums, explore hobbies, or dig deeper into areas of personal interest. Learning is not confined to a classroom; it happens everywhere—structured and unstructured, planned and spontaneous. When we slow down, we see the Goodness, Truth, and Beauty that surrounds us.

The Privilege of Work

The word work can sometimes carry a negative connotation—associated with obligation, monotony, or pressure. But at North Star, we see work as a privilege. It is an opportunity to grow in knowledge, deepen our faith, and find joy in the process.

Last year, on the first day of school, a kindergartener hopped into the car with a beaming smile. When her mother asked, "How was your first day of school?" she enthusiastically replied, "It was the best day of my life!" Imagine if we all embraced work with that same authentic joy. Work is not just something we do—it is something we create. It builds community, strengthens relationships, and brings fulfillment.

The Sacred Call to Rest

In today's fast-paced world, rest is often misunderstood. It can be seen as laziness or lack of ambition. But at North Star, we honor God's command to rest. True rest is not idle; it is intentional. It allows us to recognize our limits—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—and to restore our souls.

God deeply desires for us to abide in Him, to step away from distractions, and to be renewed in our faith. As we embrace both work and rest, may we find joy in our labor and peace in our Sabbath, always seeking to glorify Him in all that we do.

© Brandi Buerstatte | This article was first published in North Star February Newsletter Edition, March 2025.