The phrase “Rest and Be Thankful” is often linked to William Wordsworth, the great Romantic poet, but its roots run deeper in British and Scottish history. It became widely known due to the Rest and Be Thankful Pass in Scotland, a breathtaking spot along the A83 road in Argyll and Bute. In the 18th century, British soldiers built a military road through the rugged Highlands after the Jacobite uprisings, and the climb was so demanding that, upon reaching the summit, weary travelers would pause, rest, and express gratitude. The phrase was even engraved on a stone marker, serving as a timeless reminder that even in life’s most challenging journeys, one should stop, breathe, and appreciate the moment.

Although Wordsworth did not originate the phrase, he deeply embraced its sentiment in his writings and poetry. He found solace and renewal in nature, often encouraging his readers to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the world around them. His poem Tintern Abbey echoes this philosophy, describing how time spent in nature becomes a source of peace, healing, and cherished memories. Wordsworth believed that spiritual rest and gratitude were essential, and his poetry invites us to step away from the busyness of life and immerse ourselves in the stillness and wisdom of the natural world.

Today, “Rest and Be Thankful” remains a powerful call to pause and appreciate life’s journey, whether in moments of joy or hardship. Whether inspired by a Scottish landscape, Wordsworth’s poetic reflections, or the simple need for rest in a fast-paced world, the phrase reminds us to embrace gratitude and find renewal in stillness. It speaks to the universal human need for both physical and spiritual rest, reminding us that even the hardest climbs deserve a moment of reflection and thankfulness at the top.

Excerpt from Tintern Abbey

(Lines 142–159)

“Therefore let the moon
Shine on thee in thy solitary walk;
And let the misty mountain-winds be free
To blow against thee: and, in after years,
When these wild ecstasies shall be matured
Into a sober pleasure; when thy mind
Shall be a mansion for all lovely forms,
Thy memory be as a dwelling-place
For all sweet sounds and harmonies; oh! then,
If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief
Should be thy portion, with what healing thoughts
Of tender joy wilt thou remember me,
And these my exhortations! Nor, perchance—
If I should be where I no more can hear
Thy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes these gleams
Of past existence—wilt thou then forget
That on the banks of this delightful stream
We stood together.”