Don't Feel Guilty, Resting Is Essential.

Rest is one of those words that has become almost taboo in our society. We are encouraged to push ourselves to the limit. We are bombarded with advertisements of drinks and foods that will assist in our quest to be super human, but that's just it-we are only human, not superhuman. Sometimes even as Christians we feel guilty resting because we want to be busy for the Lord. However, we need to consider that the Lord designed us with physical bodies that require rest. He even set an example for us when he created the world-on the seventh day, he rested! Jesus also knew the importance of rest. In Mark 6, He told the apostles, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

Resting is not quitting. Resting is essential for our bodies. So-called experts have found that we focus and retain information better when studying if we do so with a pattern of taking a ten minute break every twenty minutes. We want to do our best in everything. God expects our best in everything. Part of giving our best is providing ourselves with adequate rest.

As summer break approaches for many of you, make a point to take a break from pushing yourself so that your strength can be renewed. Evaluate where you’ve been and where you are now. Marvel in the small things that you have accomplished so far while your mind is being rejuvenated and don’t ever let quitting become an option. Balance is the key.

- adapted from Under the Juniper Tree podcast

available via The Light Network

-M