energy Archives - Margaret Feinberg

As I’ve been proofing Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God (from Worthy Publishing and Lifeway) and working on the accompanying Bible study, I’ve been wrestling with the issue of life-giving rest.

Sometime ago, someone asked me what activities made me feel the most rested and rejuvenated. I responded with a blank stare. I didn’t know. I worked for so long and for so hard I forgot what activities brought me joy-those that made me feel most alive. I know I’m not the only who has struggled in this area.

While grabbing lunch with my dear friend Leslie two weeks ago, she admitted she also struggled, not only to carve out the time, but even to remember the activities that rejuvenated her. With two kids, a demanding job, and an aging home that needs constant work, she and her husband find themselves crawling in bed exhausted most nights. Yet Leslie knows that give her best self to her husband, kids, and job, she needs to rediscover these life-giving activities and make time for them.

We all do.

When we make time for life-giving activities, we’re more sensitive to the nudges of the Holy Spirit and the grace God wants to pour in us and through us.

What are THREE activities that allow you to experience rest and rejuvenation in your soul?

When was the last time you engaged in those activities?

**Photo courtesy of here

I started to wonder this week: Where did this practice of “spring forward, fall back” come from?

National Geographic says the idea of using sunlight more effectively came from Benjamin Franklin. He was shocked that, when visiting France and awakening in the early morning, the sun rose a lot earlier than he did. “Early to bed, early to rise” is Franklin’s famous mantra, capitalizing on natural sunlight.

The U.S. didn’t start using Daylight Saving time until World War I. By making use of the longer summer days, less coal is needed to light the home and can be saved for the war effort. During World War II, Daylight Saving was implemented year round in an attempt to save even more energy for the war.

Not only does the time change, but the name of each time zone changes during Daylight Savings. Central Standard Time changes to Central Daylight Time while Pacific Standard Time changes to Pacific Daylight Time.

Regardless, of where Daylight Saving came from, I’m grateful it’s here! I may lose an hour of sleep, but the days become oh-so-long and perfect for playing more outdoors.

What do you love about spring Daylight Savings?

*Photo courtesy of here