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
Since I’m usually lethargic most of the time, let me think about this for a second . . .
I would have to say my weekly yoga exercise (thank you, Lilias Folan!), a good night’s rest (which doesn’t come easy since I’ve inherited my mother’s insomnia), and the daily mid-afternoon snack (Nature Valley is my new hero!).
Travis,
Jump in there…don’t be shy :).
I can not wait for this book! I have definitely found myself in those seasons where I can’t remember what I enjoy and where I best find rest. Thanks for leading us in this, Margaret!
Jenni,
Thanks for the encouragement–excited for your book, too :).
This is exactly what I have been struggling with lately.
Laura,
Have you found anything specific that makes you feel more alive? An activity? A sport? A place? (coffee shops, farmers market, target 🙂 Just wondering…
Sorry to push this–but I’ve noticed no one has been able to list three activities. Anyone? Anyone? (Bueller like stealing cars and playing hooky) 🙂
This has been the exact conversation in our household for the last few weeks! It’s actually been fun to dream up and rediscover those activities, but a fight to follow through with them. In those moments, I sense that REST is the most life giving activity (followed by a good book and a relaxing run).
Beth,
Love this! But let me ask, what do you mean by REST? A nap. A few hours of shut-eye. Or is it something more? The reason I ask is that I think so many people relegate rest to sleeping. but I think rest is a good book. rest is a relaxing run. rest isn’t about lack of activity or movement but our attitude and perspective. I can sit and read a book for work and it’s work. Or I can sit and read a book for rest and it’s rest. That maybe the activity is secondary to how we do the activity. If that makes sense?
I’m sure there are a few people who will think folding laundry is a restful activity. I will never count myself among them.
1. Lying on my couch in the afternoon with my 2 shih tzus lying on top of me.
2. Playing in the swimming pool on a hot summer morning.
3. Going to breakfast or lunch with a friend and sitting and talking for a couple of hours.
There’s 3 for me!
love love love these.
What a good reminder….that I’m reading after a 14-hour workday. lol! Things that refresh me:
1. An hour-long nap in the middle of the day with my 19-yr-old tabby cat curled up next to me (did this Friday);
2. Eat dinner at the beach to watch the sunset, feel the sand, breath the salt air, listen to the water (been a couple weeks since I last did this one);
3. Glide along some back waterways (out of the major boat traffic) in a kayak (been about 6 weeks since I did this).
Folding laundry? Nope. Hand-washing some dishes? Yes. There’s something about the warm water and a good view out the kitchen window that just makes you slow down.
Kim,
Love the nap and the cat. I thought about that last night as Hershey snuggled against me in bed. What a warm soft gift God gives us in pets. Oooooh– watching the sunset, melts me, too. Everytime. And water….baptizes us into the rest and God. Love these.
Although it may sound slightly oxymoron-ish (just created that word, I think) I have found that waking up earlier in the morning to read/write/pray has given me much more energy and made me feel more peaceful and awake throughout the day. I like this post because it reminds me that setting the alarm clock insanely early is actually working for me. (: Thank you for writing this!
Katie,
Not oxymornish-ish at all (great word by the way). So true. That rest isn’t always about sleeping more….but what we do when we’re awake.