So as you know, if you follow my postings, I have a rare condition that causes my cilia not to function properly. At certain times of the year, I’m going to be out of commission. Well, this one of those times. I’ve been fighting a respiratory infection. Instead of getting rest I’m trying to push through and do the things that I feel are important. This was not a good idea. I’ve been performing sub-par all week.
We have been programmed to work hard and go full blast as long as we can. We push ourselves so much that we forget that it is important to slow down. We have been so tightly wound that we don’t know how to relax and unwind. If you test some people’s blood you will probably find more coffee in it than blood. If our work doesn’t keep us occupied then it is our devices. We are glued to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, Netflix, Hulu, and WhatsApp. From sun up to sun down we are glued to some kind of screen.
With all the added stress and stimuli that we are constantly exposing ourselves to, it is only a matter of time before we become burned out. God wants us to serve Him and others at our best. We can’t do that if we are sick or mentally drained. So we have to take time to rest. We have to put our phones down. We have to step away from our computers and gaming systems. We have to take 8 or 16 hours off and just recenter ourselves.
God is the ultimate source of rest. We can find rest and peace in His word. We are rejuvenated when we unload all of our cares and problems on Him. Restoration comes when we allow God to guide us throughout the day. He has the power to revive our tired souls by endowing us with His love. We all have to just stop, disconnect, and listen to Him. Tomorrow is not certain and we can not take our time for granted. So we have to find time to rest and commune with God. That project can wait. That next level on Candy Crush Saga can wait. That project that you have been working on will still be there. Your life may not.
If no one else tells you, listen to me. It is ok to take a break. Take care of the only life you have. Take the time to tell your loved ones how much you care. Go fishing or take a walk in the park. Nike said it best “Just do it.” As I lay here trying to fight off this new infection, I commit to myself to be more restful and more open to what God has to say to me. I will commit to focusing on what matters most and not the things that cause me harm.
God of restoration, thank you for allowing us to find rest in you. Help us to rely on you more than we rely on ourselves. Help us to listen to our bodies and take time to rest from our labors. In your name, we pray, Amen
Stephon's Thoughts 