by Kendal Craig
There is an art these days to being busy. It seems as if the “my schedule is packed” lifestyle has become something that is glorified. Nowadays when I ask people how they are, they say things like “Oh I have been crazy busy,” and “just super busy with work and school.” It is almost a game trying to figure out whose life is more jam packed. Busy gives you bragging rights! If you do not have a plan for each day, then that is supposedly a reflection of your laziness and lack of motivation.
When did it become embarrassing to have a day to just be still? This world has become all about production, progression, and persistence. However, we have forgotten about relaxation, restoration, and relationships. We have been compromising our days of rest; making them seem less important than our days of activity.
We are such busy bees! So busy, in fact, that we have forgotten what it’s like to taste the honey. When have we last been able to rest and enjoy the sweet side of life? We need rest! It is essential to our overall well-being and sanity. It’s not about being one or the other, busy or restful, it’s about finding a healthy balance!
Here are a few tips to help you find rest and taste the honey.
It is OK to say “No”
I remember when I was transitioning into my Freshman year of college, I had the “I’m-going-to-join all-clubs” attitude. I said yes to everything: job offers, babysitting opportunities, hosting small groups, and taking on leadership positions. All of a sudden I found myself having somewhere to be almost every hour of the day. Sometimes if you take on too many tasks you are not doing anything well, just a lot of things mediocre. If you truly want to honor yourself and others, consider not overriding yourself with activities that are not necessary.
Pick a day every week as your designated “nothing” day
In Genesis 2:2, the Bible says, “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh.” God rested. He rested! The Maker of all the Heavens and all the Earth took.a.break. Why are we not taking breaks? Why are we not taking our Sabbaths? I am so guilty of not allowing myself to rest. The discipline of sleeping is essentially an act of surrender. It helps remind us that we are not God and we cannot function without letting our bodies be restored every day. If we let ourselves rest, we will receive the energy we need to do God’s work to the best of our abilities while we are awake.
Rest, really rest
When you have a break, take a break! So often we have down time but we spend it scrolling through Instagram, checking photos on Facebook, and pinning that last cute craft on Pinterest. We make phone calls, check emails, respond to texts. When you have a chance to take a break, spend it doing things that you wish you had time for! For goodness sakes, a nap here and there is OK! When you are working, work and when you are resting, rest.
Do you find it a challenge to be still and rest? What are your tips for restoration and rest?
