If you’re like me, the word “rest” may seem a bit foreign to you. I struggle with this word. I struggle to say it with a sense of ease, as I always tend to feel guilty when I am supposed to be resting. Anybody else feel like this?
What I have come to realise is that if I do not rest, and rest wisely, I end up suffering in the long run. Let me explain. I tend to live a lifestyle that is always ” go, go, go”. I run my own business; I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a creative, and I freelance as a writer. Therefore my brain is constantly active, and my days are full-on. The problem is in doing everything without letting myself breathe or rest for a moment, I end up physically ill and feeling overwhelmed emotionally and mentally. Anybody else relate to this?
I am now in a new season of life of “intentional rest”. Why? Because my body and mind are currently not coping and keeping up with my lifestyle. Now, I am teaching myself to slow down more often, to rest, and to be okay with the idea of resting. It is not easy for me – like I said, I tend to feel guilty for slowing down. But if I want to enjoy my day-to-day, and be a happy and healthy individual, that means I need to take better care of myself. I don’t want to just endure life; I want to enjoy it. If that means I need to pace myself and take better care of myself, then so be it.
THE BENEFITS OF RESTING
In this season of rediscovering rest, I have found the following to be true. Maybe these thoughts will inspire you to think of ways of creating and incorporating more “resting” moments within your lifestyle.
Rest allows you to let go: Let go of the issues that consume you; let go of things that you want to control but simply cannot. Letting go allows you to let things be, and to let God take care of it.
Rest refuels: Take a moment to just be, and to just breathe. This will allow you to bring yourself back towards yourself. You will be able to think clearer, and your perspective will change. Your mind will feel rested, and your heart will be at peace. This in turn will refresh you, and inspire you as you move forward into the next season that awaits you.
Rest allows you to think clearer: When we let our minds rest, we allow ourselves to sift through thoughts and feelings that consume and overwhelm us. Have you ever heard the phrase “My brain has too many tabs open?” Well it’s the same with living busy lifestyles – often we feel as though there is too much going on in our heads. We need to pause, ponder, reflect, sift, and sort out all the thoughts that are taking up brain space. Once we do that, we will feel a sense of calm, a sense of peace, and a deep sense of focus.
BEST PLACE TO FIND REST
The best place to find internal peace and rest is in the presence of God, our Father. All we need to do is be still in His presence, and let go of all that burdens us and trust in Him to do only what He can do regarding everything that concerns us.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
– Matthew 11: 28-30
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