A day of rest

You did it! The month of May is complete, and here comes summer! For those of you with kids still at home,  do you feel like your eyes are still spinning? Concerts, sports banquets, graduations, wrapping up the school calendars, not to mention getting your head around what the summer schedule is going to look like. 

College classes have ended, adult children are moving back home for the summer, and outside tasks are now in the queue.

I, too, have felt the May surge of activity, with increased travel, my daughter graduated from college, and I have more travel to plan.  I am also trying to figure out why my hydrangea bushes are dying and how to grow grass in my backyard! 

The emotional rollercoaster that comes with a month full of celebrations, transitions, endings, and new beginnings is probably why my heart is yearning for a day of rest. 

Yes. Rest.  

A day to slow my pace, capture my thoughts, be still with the Lord, and just rest. No projects, schedules,  planning, or tasks to complete. Space for my mind, body, and soul to simply pause. 

I could go on and on as to why we as humans need rest, but I am confident that if I asked you, you would quickly be able to say why a day of rest sounds inviting.

For me, a day of rest provides opportunity for my body to relax, my mind to let go of all the daily things I keep track of, and for my spirit to be inspired in the participation of what God has for me.  When I rest, my commitment to caring for and loving my people deepens, and my soul becomes centered on Jesus leading the way.

My response to this need for rest is an upcoming two-day solitude retreat where I will spend time in nature, walk, stare at the lake, read, talk with the Lord about all He has done for me, and enjoy a few great snacks!  

What is rest? 

Rest can mean closing your eyes and physically resting your body with sleep. It can also mean to cease from activity or labor. My favorite definition of rest is that rest is a state of peace of mind or spirit.  Ahh…a peaceful spirit.  

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, seven types of rest are crucial for our overall well-being. 

Physical - Giving your body a break 

Mental - Quieting your mind 

Emotional - Processing and expressing emotions

Social - Spending time with people who are positive and supportive

Sensory - Reducing or eliminating sensory input

Creative - Engaging in creative hobbies or activities for enjoyment and inspiration 

Spiritual  - Engaging in activities that provide a sense of purpose and connect you to something bigger than yourself

How to find rest

Grab your journal, something to write with, and pause with me. I will provide a few prompts to guide you in creating your hour, half-day, or full day of rest. 

This will likely require some effort, a little cash,  and even saying no to some things to make it happen.  I give you full permission to do this. It’s not selfish to put fuel in our own tank. Remember, rest makes us better. Jesus rested. We should, too.

Which of the seven types of rest are you drawn toward?

Why does this rest feel needed for you right now?

Do you have any resistance towards this rest? 

What restful activities allow you to be fully present, feel calm, peaceful, and joyful?

What activities are you saying no to so your restful space can happen? 

Who can you share your feelings with and the emotions you are holding? 

What does your physical body need?  

How do you best connect with God to refresh your sense of meaning and purpose?

Remember, your time of rest is not designed to be busy with more things to do. This is a space that allows you to recharge. Permission to take a nap,  sit still, stare at the sky.

Trust that your time of rest is an intentional deposit into your well-being. Even if you don’t leave the time feeling 100% rested, we can trust this practice will sustain you over the long haul. 

Trust that whatever does not get completed while you are resting will figure itself out. 

Remember, Jesus calls us to rest in him. Rest is where Jesus can show us His love, and we can love Him right back. 

I would love to hear what YOUR day of rest looks like. Drop me a note when you can. 

May your restful space be a gift to you, a gift to Jesus, and a gift to the people you love.