Oh, no! The one thing I was hoping to avoid happened this past weekend.
I guess I was way overdue. I’ve been faithful every year in getting the flu shot, and I was planning to get the shot this Friday when I had my regular appointment with my doctor. The only problem – I got the flu last weekend – before I could get the shot.
It wasn’t what I had planned for this week. I was on the Women’s Retreat over the weekend when the symptoms started. Thanks to a roommate who had plenty of Tylenol, I got back to Memphis Sunday afternoon, and then nursed my high fever. I’ve been home all week – working from home as much as I can.
But God has been teaching me through this, as He always does through everything He allows into my life. I have been pushing myself nonstop for the past several months, and I wasn’t slowing down. We weren’t designed to go at that pace nonstop. So, God slowed me down. I didn’t have a choice.
It’s been a good reminder. Yes, I need to work hard! But I also need to balance hard work with time to slow down and rest (and not feel guilty about it).
Jesus even understood the importance of slowing down and pulling away. In Mark 6:30-32, after the disciples had come to Jesus and reported all they had done and taught, Jesus told them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” It even said they were so busy, they didn’t have time to eat. Sound familiar?
You would think after writing a Bible study on Rest, I’d be applying these principles. But, I’m still learning how to rest. It isn’t a luxury, but an important part of life. And God is not going to give me more to do than the hours He gives me to do it.
I am thankful that He “forced” me to slow down this week and rest. But I hope I can learn to rest without Him having to take me down this road again any time soon.
I’d love to hear from you. What hinders you from resting? And for those of you who have a good handle on rest, what are some helpful tips you can share with us?
Photo: Pixabay.com; CC0 Public Domain
Learning to rest is certainly a journey, or at least it is for me. I once heard a pastor say that the refusal to rest — at the core — is pride. Ouch! If God chose to rest why would we ever think we didn’t need to? This nugget of truth has helped me numerous times but it’s still a struggle at times. Great post, Crickett. Thank you!
Yep! Pride – it gets us every time. I think I can do it! He says, no you can’t. Thanks for sharing this great reminder. And thanks for stopping by, Cathy!
I love the fact that even Jesus got away alone to rest. What a beautiful example for us. With my fibromyalgia I’ve had to learn to yield to my body when it screams for rest. That’s been hard for this past Energizer Bunny. That rest restores my body. But the Lord is also teaching me to rest in Him and that restores my spirit. I’m learning to listen for His sweet whisper bidding me to come and then responding with a “Yes, Lord. I’m coming.” Believe it or not, that is hard when I am crazy busy, but when I obey Him and stop what I’m doing, the result is beautiful.
Great insight, Nan! I love the thought of Him waiting for me and us whispering, “Yes, I’m coming.” I need to remember that. I’m still learning, but I hope to be a better student at resting this year. Thankfully, he does slow us down when He knows we need it. Thanks, Nan!
Yep, yep. I’ve had to learn the hard way that rest isn’t a luxury. God built rest into our DNA. And like you, many of the things I write, I need to soak in myself.
Thanks for the reminder. Now we need to heed it.
Beckie, you’re so right – God built rest into our DNA. I’m learning – the hard way. Thanks, Beckie, for sharing!
Cricket,
Your writing makes me feel like you are sitting right in front of me and chatting about what God is teaching you. Sorry you got the flu, but thank you for the insights.
Thanks, Vickie! If I’d been feeling better last Sat. and Sunday, you and I would have had some long chats!
Crickett, I pray you are feeling better. I do the same thing. God has to stop me. I am learning slowly to slow down. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Cherrilynn! I think I learned the lesson this time – but for how long? We’ll see 🙂
Crickett, God directed me to the same verse in Mark 6:32 and REST principle this week. Mere hours after I surrendered my weary and anxious heart, my circumstances began to turn around. God is faithful to those who seek Him.
April, thank you for the reminder that God is faithful to those who seek Him! I do see His hand on the circumstances of this situation all week. And I’m hoping I can set some boundaries on my schedule moving forward. Thanks for sharing, April!
This is something God’s teaching me, too. I’ve been doing my best to take one day off of work each week, and it takes a lot of preparation, but it’s worth it!
Heather, I can tell from reading your blog that God is definitely teaching us the same things. I know I need to change some things and implement times of rest. I love that you’re trying to take a day off each week. I need to do the same. Thanks for sharing!