Wrestling with Resting

Friends, it's been 2 months since my last post. I sorry I didn't let you know ahead of time, but I needed to take a hiatus. To say I've been busy is an understatement. Amongst other things,  work has been stressful and I moved into a new place a couple of weeks ago.

For the first time in what seems like forever, I rested. I came home from Church on Easter Sunday, and laid on the couch for six glorious hours (getting up only to grab another cinnamon roll from the kitchen).

I didn't plan it this way.

On the contrary, I had a sizable to-do list, a work out to complete, and 3 days of meal prepping to finish. My hair was long overdue for a wash, and I needed to watch videos for my online class. Yet, all I achieved that day was rest. And you know what? That was enough.

It felt irresponsible and unproductive, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

My tiredness was the result of long days and nights, of pushing myself to do it all, believing one day it would all be done and then I'd be able to relax. But as you know there's always something else that needs to get done.

I know I'm not alone. Too many of us struggle with resting. We live in a fast paced, always connected world and disconnecting so you can recharge can be difficult, but it's vital. Rest needs to be intentional and prioritized.

God himself rested on the 7th day after He created the world and established the sabbath. Now I'm not here to debate when or how to observe the Sabbath. What I want to focus on is the fact that God himself took time to rest and intends for us to do the same.

We are filled up to pour out.

Have you ever tried to refill a glass or container that wouldn't stay still? Or pour something while your hands were shaky or trembling? It's not easy. It's frustrating. You either end up spilling things and unable to fill up the container as intended, or it takes you a lot longer.

Well it's the same with us. It's difficult to be  replenished if you never stop moving. It's impossible to find rest in God when your to-do list makes leaves no room to spend time in His presence.

We weren't designed to constantly work around the clock, forsake sleep on the regular basis, or give so much of ourselves until we are left feeling empty.

That may be what society encourages, but the bible says this:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

As I lay here on the couch, re-assigning today's to-do's to other days of the week,  I want you to think about the way you rest.  God is glorified in the way we work and the way we rest.  When we let our body, mind, and spirit to rest, we allow ourselves to be renewed, strengthened, and prepared for the days and tasks ahead.

So be intentional about having an appointed time of rest, and combat those feelings of guilt and un-productivity. If that seems impossible for you, then ask God to help you with your schedule, and to show you when and how to rest. He's faithful to give us the wisdom and help we need whenever we ask (James 1:5).

Much Love, Tiffanie