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
