It’s Sunday and I have to ask, is there anyone out there actually resting?
A few months ago I enrolled in Peak Start to up my game on life. I was at a place where I needed to increase my capacity to handle the responsibilities before me. As I got started in the program there were questionnaires to fill out about my routines, schedules, responsibilities, habits, etc. I completed it all with such diligence and waited for my session to discuss what I had laid out.
The day finally came and I was thrilled. I was finally going to get my life in order (an ongoing battle for me). I would finally be able to function at maximum capacity. I learned so much in that session and I took notes feverishly. We were working through my days and organizing what I could do to be more effective. I was loving it. THEN all of a sudden . . .
Mentor: So, when do you rest?
Me: Excuse me, did you say rest?
Mentor: Yes, I’m assuming Sunday isn’t a day of rest for you.
Me: Your right. I’m at church about 8 hours and I collapse when I get home.
Mentor: So, when do you rest?
Me: hmmmmm (long pause) WOW – I guess, I don’t. I office out of my home so there is always something that needs to be done and I don’t like unfinished business.
Mentor: You need a day of rest. What day will it be?
I remember that conversation so vividly as I recognized that it had been ages since I just took time to specifically rest. We live in such a doing society. The world screams if you aren’t busy you aren’t productive. But being busy 24/7 365 actually causes burn out, especially when you are trying to live a life with purpose.
So, why rest? Spiritually speaking, God made a day for us to rest. He created and ordained that day of rest specifically for us. Obviously, He knew our bodies needed to be refueled and refreshed. Physically speaking, well . . . we can all answer that one. It helps keep our emotions in check and our minds alert.
I’ve been taking a day of rest every since that conversation. The day varies from week to week. I fit it in how I can. Usually for me, it’s a Friday and I have to admit, it was and still is weird to just take a day for me. It’s not necessarily that I don’t do anything that day, but what I do is relaxing. Maybe it’s extra time with hubby, or a day with my children, or taking my camera out for fun (NOT WORK), or hanging out with friends with no agenda, or deciding to paint.
Why rest? Because while you relax your mind is refueled to think about those things that are precious to you, your body can de-stress, and you become more effective at living life on purpose.
When is your day of rest?
How do you spend your day off?
Rest eludes me right now. But normally I take Friday's for myself and we take Sundays as a family–or we used to, as you know my kiddo isn't home.
But on Fridays I would devote my time to crafts or blogging..whatevr fed my soul. Right now I really have too much time on my hands..I sit in idle..lol
Great photo by the way. I too need to remember to head out and get some snaps.
Hi Alene,
The idea of rest is so essential and so easily overlooked in our world today. Thank you for the reminder that we all deserve it!
Well, if you were to ask my hubby, he would say…everyday is my rest day. But seriously, I'm alot like you, its not the same day every week.
My most favorite thing to do is laying on the couch with my little doggies (I have 2 bishon frises), close my eyes and listen to James McDonald.
~Tammy
Hi Alene – Saw you over at my blog and thought I'd stop by. After years of not resting, I make it a point to do so now. Usually it's Friday or Sunday and what I do varies. Sometimes I go for a walk or to an antique store. Other days, I'll try new recipes or catch up on some for-fun reading. Great topic!
I rest every day…I do wonder how I went to Church for so many hours when I was younger? I go for an hour or two on Sunday nowadays. Of course, I have all days off….
Resting is such a vital component to healthy living. I've rested a ton over the last year… time well spent.
Blessings to you as you continue to march on with this 31 day challenge. May God seed his goodness, knowledge, and deep love into you as you go.
peace~elaine
Hi Alene and thanks for following me! I have too many days "off" and so my problem is opposite of yours. :)
Hi Alene,
My day of rest is on Monday when the entire family but myself goes out into the world for school and work. The door closes and there is silence. Ah silence. Then I can get caught up on some of my thoughts and things that have to be done, but then no real agenda and if nothing gets done so be it too!
I try to always make Sunday my day of rest, because it's the only day I really can rest.
I slept for 12 hours today, and I normally do not do that. Guess my body is trying to tell me something hmm…??
I rest. It took awhile. I've been sick, fighting for my health, rest wasn't something I could 'figure' out.
Recently I moved into a place of rest with God, there's so much peace and relaxation in the rest.
Janelle
GraceTags
This is such an important principle, but one that is so hard for us to practice in our world of fast paced living.
I am glad that you have found time to rest!
Rarely do I get a full day of rest, but I've learned it is so important. Other than church Sunday morning we try to make it a day of rest.
Oh wow! This really spoke to me! Thank you!
Yep…I don't rest enough but do like to take it easy on Sunday after church reading, taking a nap whatever I want to do for a couple hours.