As people living in this world, we are told to be busy. From adults that let their jobs run their lives to children partaking in multiple sports, plays, clubs, recitals and all sorts of other activities. This kind of behavior from both groups can cause quite a few problems, one main issue being the destruction of the family. We live in a place where being too busy to stop and breathe is normal, even strived for in some cases. Some people enjoy the constant pull or flurry of activity; I personally am not a fan of feeling like I’m being pulled in a million different directions at once.
I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses.” Maybe we’ve heard it so much that we tend to overlook it. But however simple it may be, I think a lot of people need to hear it. Rest is very important for us as human beings both physically, mentally and emotionally. Now, rest doesn’t always mean sleep. It’s many things, and everyone has different ways of doing it whether it’s sitting outside, reading a book, writing, gardening, even going for walks.
I believe that “rest and relaxation” go together so well because they are one. Relaxing is resting and resting is relaxing. Even the Lord, Creator of the Cosmos, took a break. Rest doesn’t have to be sitting on the couch for an entire day. Just taking some time to allow yourself to get away from the world will help with many things. Admitting you need a break can be hard, I know, but everyone needs one. Time to bask in God’s Peace should be on your daily to-do list if you ask me. It will refresh and fuel you in more ways than one.
It will fill you up and soon you’ll feel your heart and soul craving it. Every person on this planet needs breaks and rest, no matter what some people might say. It’s not good for your soul, your heart, any part of you really, to go go go all the time. I know a lot of people like feeling busy and doing things for people, but don’t forget about your own needs. I’m not saying to be self-centered. Just make sure you don’t lose yourself in the constant hustle and bustle of our world.
Even Jesus took breaks from the crowds of people that would gather around him everywhere, to spend time with God and just rest. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to keep going without stopping, not even yourself. I understand wanting to be productive, but resting will also give you that feeling if you let yourself believe that it’s okay to stop for a minute. This is something that I myself need to work on, because even though I don’t like feeling or being busy, I do still like to do things, and resting can be hard for me. Let’s all go to the Father and lie at his feet while he whispers, rest my children. You’ve earned it.