I’d like to think I’m a pretty motivated person. When I set my mind to do something, I usually find a way to make it happen. At work I’ve often been referred to as dedicated and hard working. That sounds really good (and I’m glad to have made a positive reputation for myself) but I think there’s something missing here. I think sometimes we get so focused on being productive we forget about resting.
Last week I drove down to my hometown (Cincinnati) for some last minute appointments and to say goodbye to loved ones. I spent almost every night at a different house and had some good ol’ quality time (my top love language) with select peoples. It was wonderful! I shared meals with friends I haven’t seen in months (you know how I love sharing meals), stayed up til 1am playing Life with my “adopted” siblings (and almost lost- who losses at Life?!), talked, laughed and reminisced with some of my best friends. We prayed for each other, shared 10 minute goodbye hugs, and declared “I’m not saying goodbye. I’ll just see you in another medium.”
I spent as little time on the phone or computer (I had a few preparations that had to be tended to but otherwise avoided it) and tries to be 100% present. It was beautiful. In between visits I would stop by a Panera and borrow a booth to read the Word and journal, or I’d chill in my car and pray. I didn’t have to make time for God. It naturally fit in the course of the day.
When I came back to my parent’s in Columbus I was encouraged, a little sad, and ready to go to town on my to-do list. Monday morning I started tackling things one at a time: watching training videos/ taking quizzes, checking back with people I’d had meetings with the previous week, etc. That evening I hiked with my parents (I should have enforced this conditioning regimen long ago!). But that evening I fell asleep reading my devotional. Then came Tuesday and I went right back into my list. I wasn’t feeling very well but figured I was being a wimp and should push through because it’s going to be much more difficult on the race….. Again I fell asleep reading my devotional that night.
This morning I realized I’d contracted some pesky little virus. Everything hurt, my stomach was in bad condition, and I had a fever. Yay (not really) I could almost audibly hear God say, ” You’re going to rest today whether you like it or not.” So like an obedient daughter I did. I spent a solid 4 hours just reading my bible, devotional and some scripture I’m working on memorizing. I took a nap and did some minor computer work. I walked my dog. That’s it.
I tend to feel guilty when I take rest days, because I want to be a good steward with my time (especially after getting like 3 the previous week). But today God’s been showing me that he really values rest. He actually commands us to rest in Deuteronomy (plus elsewhere). And while usually He doesn’t ask me to rest this much, right now He’s preparing me for 11 months of pouring myself out all over the place. I need to take as much time as I can soaking Him in during these next 10 days because otherwise it’s going to be that much harder to keep it a priority on the race.
Now, this post may not seem applicable to some of you. It’s not reasonable for most people to take almost 3 weeks to rest and chill with God. We all live busy lives and there’s plenty to do. But even so, the concept of truly putting down one’s labor for 1 day of the week is amazingly impactful, if a bit counter culture.
I’d like to encourage you to take some time everyday (especially on your day off) and just get alone with God. Pray, ask Him about stuff, get in His Word and marvel at how utterly amazing He is. Take a nap, talk to someone without technology distracting you, or sit outside and just stare at the sky (I could seriously do that for hours and not get bored). Whatever you find restful and enriching to your soul- do it.
Everybody needs rest. It’s what propels us to get all that stuff done while keeping our priorities straight. 🙂
EDIT: Just to clarify, I’m still going to finish that to-do list. It’s not like I can once I leave. *nervous laugh* My point is that I’m going to take it down a notch, slow down, and soak in as much as I can before I leave….in case clarification was necessary. :p Love yall
