REST
Rest. What a seemingly simple word. It is only four letters. But, oh, the implications it can have on a life that actually does it!
My husband, Russell, will often say to me, “Sit down…rest.” There’s that word again. It’s sometimes, (I’m being a little too easy on myself), it’s often difficult for me to sit down and rest. We homeschool our children, Will and Sidney, and this year is the first of many years to come of a lot more to do. 
Will is in eighth grade and Sidney is in third grade. Their workloads are only increasing from here. So, as I write this, I am looking back on yesterday – a Saturday that we were actually home and not out on the road doing ministry. I had a terrible day because I couldn’t seem to rest. There’s that word again!
Will is in eighth grade and Sidney is in third grade. Their workloads are only increasing from here. So, as I write this, I am looking back on yesterday – a Saturday that we were actually home and not out on the road doing ministry. I had a terrible day because I couldn’t seem to rest. There’s that word again!Saturdays, in my mind, were meant for catching up on the things you couldn’t get done during the week. Well, because I homeschool, I had laundry, tons of emails to go through and send, and just the normal cleaning. What I needed more than anything, though, was to rest. There’s that…you get the picture.
Jesus had a few things to say about resting. He tells us to come to Him, all who are weary and burdened and He will give us rest. He says our souls will find rest. He told His apostles to come away to a quiet and desolate place and rest a while because there were so many people needing them that they hadn’t even had a chance to eat! We are to “be still and know that He is God.” We are to rest.
I have to realize…it’s okay to rest. Our bodies are designed to rest. We can’t function properly without it. Sometimes we just need a day, or even a few hours, doing things that instill joy into our lives: playing games with our kids, watching a movie, or just napping or taking a long bath. Maybe you haven’t just sat quietly and waited for the Lord to speak. Tell yourself, “It’s okay to rest!” Say it with me, “It’s okay to rest!” One more time, “It’s okay to rest!”
Now, I wonder if your family will notice? I think they will. I think mine will. When we’re rested, we can hear The Holy Spirit’s voice louder, easier. We can feel the joy that He intended for us. I think our Heavenly Father will smile as we take time rest.
Now, can you count how many times I used the word REST? Oh stop it…go rest!!
Kristi 🙂
