Jen’s Gem: It’s ok to rest.
This week I had my yearly physical. After some banter, the doctor reviewed my bloodwork. He uttered “normal” after the more significant results like cholesterol and sugar levels, which had decreased fifteen points since eliminating sugar and carbs.
After his “nothing to see here” report, we spoke about my recent trip to the emergency room. He prescribed an over the counter acid reflux pill and noted that perhaps my esophageal muscles were stressed out. Who knew?? I left his office grateful for my good health. I thanked God for my “boring patient” description and recalled the words of the ER doctor as I exited the exam room: “You’re fine. Go and live your life.”
“Go and live your life.”
Today I am leaving for Newport for my mini-retreat. For the past two days I have woken up with such an excitement that it was all I could do to not hop in my car and go. I feel like a child who’s been told they’re going to Disney World.
Yesterday as I checked the amenities of the hotel, I discovered that I am a within a mile of downtown and that I can walk to the beach. What?? Walk to the beach?
My heart skipped a beat and it’s likely my blood pressure ticked up slightly with this revelation. This is heaven on earth for me. I’ve longed dreamed of having a house on the beach. My vision board has a photo of such a residence and every time I look at it, I do the happy dance.
I’m already scheming of ways to extend my stay. I do have the flexibility of working from anywhere so it’s not too far-fetched. However, it may be my bank account balance that will make this decision for me. I’ll revisit the idea as check-out time approaches. If your inbox is missing this newsletter next Sunday, you’ll know my decision!
The Bible tells us that many times Jesus went away from his disciples and the crowds for some R&R. He used this time to pray and reconnect with His Father in heaven. After creating the entire world and mankind, even God the Father took a day to rest.
It’s likely the past eighteen or so months have sucked the life out of many of us. We’ve been running on empty for so long that a day of rest or (gasp!) several days seem outlandish. Yet to maintain our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, it’s vital.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)
I have underestimated the importance of rest. With a full plate of responsibilities, my life resembles that of the Energizer bunny. My son has said many times, “Don’t you know how to sit still?” when he sees me flitting about the condo doing this or that.
My response is simple. “No. I don’t.”
These next days will test my worker bee personality. My bags are packed with books, my journal, and of course my Bible as I seek God’s will for the next season of my life. I will need to shut off the buzzing in my brain so that I can clearly hear that still small voice that I know is Him.
“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” (2 Timothy 1:9 NKJV)
I pray that you have a blessed week and that you take some time to rest. Give yourself permission to take a break. Be quiet and let God speak to you. Now more than ever we all need His wisdom as the times we are living in are precarious.
Be still. Be quiet. Just be.