The Wake-Up Call I Didn't Know I Needed: Embracing Real Rest

Hi and welcome back!

I wanted to share something that really hit me hard this week.

As you know, I enjoy being productive. I don’t like to feel lazy, and that usually results in me scheduling out every minute of my day. Usually, ‘working’ (being productive) six days a week and resting or napping on Sundays works well for me - but it all came to a head this week.

When Your Body Demands a Timeout

I’d been dealing with allergies, and you KNOW how that stuffy head feeling just makes you feel so out of whack! On top of that, I had been trying to add some extra yard projects into my already full schedule.

Well, long story short: I just burned myself out. My body wasn’t feeling good at all, and it was a real wake-up call.

Instead of forcing my way through my routine, I canceled all the activities except the ones I really wanted to do - the ones that were relaxing.

Wrestling with Guilt (And Winning)

While I struggled with a sense of guilt for not filling every minute and (gasp!) losing a day on some tasks, I quickly dismissed it and took the nap I desperately needed. Taking a day, an hour, 15 minutes for rest will NOT ruin your life!

After that nap and a good night’s sleep, I was right as rain the next day - ready to get after it again, but now with a new appreciation for my energy and my time.

Reevaluating Your To-Do List Is Powerful

I’ve re-evaluated my task list and put some items on hold so I don’t burn out again. And you know what? It’s OK. Everything will get done. I will be OK. Isn’t that remarkable?

Sometimes, we push ourselves so hard, living up to so many different standards.

Sometimes, you really need to take that break.

The Art of Stepping Back

It’s good to take a step back every now and then and look at your goals and what you’re trying to get done and evaluate them honestly:

• Do I have time and energy for this this week?

• Is this goal still relevant?

• Can anything be postponed?

I was forced to do that this week - but honestly, we should consistently be evaluating what we’re doing in a proactive way, not just waiting until we have no other choice!

Quiet Time That’s Actually Quiet

Even in my quiet/prayer time, I just sat quietly. I didn’t pray, or sing, or try (and fail again ugh) to meditate.

I just played a short playlist of five songs and sat with my God, watching the sun come up, watching how the light danced on the leaves of my neighbor’s fig tree, watching the birds flit around on their crazy little bird errands.

I appreciated the beauty of the world He created for me and the peace and energy He was filling my soul with.

Sometimes, you need that moment of pure rest.

What Is Rest, Really?

What is rest?

It’s something that refuels you.

That brings you peace.

That requires very little or no effort.

Maybe for you, that’s putting on a comfort movie and curling up with your pet. Maybe that’s going on a walk. Or (for you crazy people), maybe that’s exercise.

I would say it’s generally an activity where you have no responsibility, so I’m going to generally exclude family outings or hang time from this list.

Maybe you’re an extrovert, though, and you want to get coffee and catch up with a friend.

No responsibilities, just vibes. THAT is rest.

Rest Is Not Self-Care (Not Exactly)

Rest is not self-care.

Rest is not finally getting a moment alone to get to that ‘everything’ shower - or even just a

basic shower.

It’s not running to the grocery store while your partner takes on the kids.

No, rest needs to be a responsibility-free zone where you can be you and God can be your God.

A Beautiful Insight About Peace and Rest

I’ll keep this one short but wanted to share something for your consideration.

I was reading a study on the Book of Matthew and came across the meaning of the word

“peace” in the Sermon on the Mount when it says:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

The word “peace” here in Hebrew is shalom.

I bet you probably knew that, right?

What I didn’t know was the full meaning of shalom in the Hebrew and Greek translations.

We typically take peace to mean “being without any troubles.” Doesn’t that sound an awful lot like the rest we’ve been talking about?

But here’s the other part: shalom is also “the presence and enjoyment of all good.” It is an active word: fully embracing the goodness in your life.

Isn’t that lovely?

The rest you need, the rest you deserve, and the rest God offers is God’s perfect peace: being without any troubles and enjoying all things good.

Embrace the Fullness of Rest

So, don’t treat your well-deserved rest as a time only to get away from your responsibilities.

Embrace the enjoyment of all good.

What does peace and rest mean in your life? Let me know!