More often than I'd like to admit, I wake up feeling run down, spent, and empty.
Maybe you know what that feels like. Maybe you’re even feeling it today.
A few years ago, I quickly discovered that in order to lay hold of the rhythm of rest I needed, I had to make some pretty dramatic changes in my life.
I had to set a bedtime, commit to taking a day off each week, and lower my workload.
In the process, I began to discover the wonder of rest.
We dove into the wonder of rest this week during the online Summer Bible Study at MargaretFeinberg.com. (It’s not too late to join us! Learn how to jump in, here).
When well-rested, I’m more attuned to the presence of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. When my sleep bank is full, I’m more ready see and respond to opportunities to serve, give, and encourage. When I embrace downtime, I’m more awake to the countless wonders of God all around—in relationships, divine encounters, and everyday life.
The rewards of embracing rest are rich, but sometimes making the changes are costly, too.
Embracing rest challenges us to take off our superman and superwoman capes.
Embracing rest asks us to learn to say “no.”
Embracing rest means we have to commit to carrying a lighter load even when it seems impossible.
That’s why, when it comes to rediscovering rest, many of us can’t do it alone.
Sometimes in order to make healthy changes we need the support of others. We need people who will ask us the hard questions and offer a fresh perspective as well as practical solutions to the issues we’re facing. This may mean turning to a professional counselor who can help us identify the unhealthy patters in our life and their source in order to set a new healthier course. Or this may mean turning to friends who know us, love us, and can challenge us to become all we’re created by God to be.
What if you found a friend with whom you could prayerfully and graciously open your calendar or day planner with and begin asking each other firm but loving questions?
Questions such as….
- How can we cheer each other on saying “no” so we can say “yes” to God’s best?
- If you stepped back from that activity, would that give someone else the opportunity to step forward?
- How can we work together to lighten each others load?
- How can we learn to celebrate rest and naps and rejuvenating activities in each others lives?
Maybe, just maybe, such disclosure and such discussion could be the launching pad for a whole new discovery of the wonder of rest in your life and the lives of those you love.
Who is the person in your life who will support you and hold you accountable as you learn to embrace the wonder of rest?
Reach out to them right now to set aside time to go over these tough questions. Send a text, shoot them an email, give them a call.
What is one good thing do you have had to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to God’s best?
Join us back at MargaretFeinberg.com on Monday, June 27th as we begin Week 4: The Wonder of Prayer during the online Summer Bible Study.
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