Sometimes you need to roll down the car windows, crank up the volume, and listen to Stevie Wonder. There are times to let go.
Let your body rest.
Let your mind rest.
Let your hair blow in the breeze and avoid the mirror.
One day last week I was tapped out. My office and cell phones were both ringing, emails were pinging one after another, and a difficult situation was brewing. Deadlines loomed like dark shadows. I walked away after work knowing that everything would not be finished. My limit was reached.
Have you been there?
God designed us with regular rest in mind. But most of us use the day to get things done around the house, or work on our to-do lists, or run errands.
God calls us to rest. His scripture beckons us to stop for a while. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28 NIV). He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. (Psa. 23:2-3b NIV).
And there is that little thing called Sabbath.
My difficult day was followed by a normal day off. By 9:15 am, I was ready to dig into my tasks. My list was made. I contemplated how many things I could check off before noon, when I sensed the Spirit say rest.
I considered the thought. I could rest for a few minutes and then get busy writing. Again, I sensed the Spirit say, you need to refuel, then you will have something to say.
Within minutes I received a text from my accountability friend who helps to keep me on track with my writing goals; “I’d tell you to work on your blog or book but think you need to rest.”
The message came through clearly. I decided to take a chance on rest.
My comfy chair became my refuge that day. I read. I journaled. I thought. I stared out the window. But most of all, I rested. It had been a while. It took discipline to ignore work texts and emails. It took strength to not invite the grandkids over to play. I refueled.
What about you? Are you beginning your week rested? Stressed? Weary?
There is rest available to you. Don’t wait until you have time. You will never think there is enough. Just sit down on your next day off, rest, and refuel.
Love this!
Rest… a few years ago I did a word study on rest because everyone was always telling me to sit down and ”rest” yet for me an afternoon in the garden or flower beds or a few hours painting or drawing or doing a puzzle or making jam is restful, refreshing and rejuvenating.
We all need it, but the same things don’t refresh us all. Find where you meet Jesus and go to Him for rest.
Rest...remind me what that looks like. 😂 I find I have little time to rest. Totally get the importance of rest. I think sometimes I feel guilty about taking the time to rest because I feel I need to be doing something or I'm letting someone down. Many times God taps me on the shoulder and whispers in my ear, "It's time to rest now." Sadly I don't listen. It's a huge flaw I need to work on. Thanks for the reminder of how important it is. 😘