Rest!

"There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His disciples didn't even have time to eat.  So he said to them, "Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while."

Mark 6:31, Good News Translation  

Rest:  an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity (Google search)  

So you've been pushing, you have been on the grind.  There's definitely no dust collecting under your feet.  However, there's one thing you've forgotten to do.  This one thing is something you are sure to tell others to do, but you neglect to do yourself.  It's time for you to rest!
 

God has blessed me with a very observant husband who truly loves his wife.  He tries not to miss a beat when it comes to me.  For the past couple of weeks, he's been encouraging me to rest.  Today, it finally it home for me that it was time for me to rest. 

Earlier this week, I was reading my Daily Devotional and it encouraged me to rest.  I immediately shared it with two people I felt could benefit from the message, not thinking I could as well.  This was an oversight on my behalf; a "brain fart" as my husband jokingly refers to.  This morning while exercising, I was reminded of this Devotional.  It finally hit home for me that is was time for me to rest.  I could smell the air, hear the birds chirp, and basically see life happening.  I noticed how peaceful I was and how great I felt!   

Years ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1, Manic-Depressive.  Yes, chances are you are just like me, know someone like me, or I am someone you may know!  Many well-known artists have been diagnosed with this conditon.  Some of our most creative, appreciated projects are produced by people just like me.  When I'm leaning towards the manic end, I am extremtely energetic and can get a lot of work done.  However, when leaning towards the depressive end, I'm lethargic and have little energy to do anything.  Just as it is for most of us, the key to managing my Disorder is achieving balance.  So, especially during periods when I have increased energy, it is important for me to stop and rest.  Also, I'm diagnosed with Lupus and if I don't get enough rest, it can aggressively attack my body.  My complete health depends on me getting enough rest.

Rather or not we have an illness, it's imperative for us to stop and rest sometimes.  Jesus even rested on the seventh day.  And, he made it a point to do so every so often.  Many of us work very hard, are involved in several, significant activities and simultaneously play various roles (mother, father, husband, brother, sister,  friend, employee, etc).  Resting rejuvenates us!  It gives us the energy, the strength to once again push with all our might.  If we do not stop to rest, we will at some point begin to burn out, easily become irritable, and lose focus of what we are working towards.  Now you have it; it's just as important for you stop to rest as well!

I caution you not to be fooled about what rest consists of.  Rest can be a time when you do absolutely nothing or you involve yourself in a couple of your favorite relaxing, past times.  For instance I used today to engage in a couple of my favorite pastimes and taking my time not being on someone else's schedule and time.  I talked to a coupe of close friends, one who's a mother figure to me, danced while I listened to my Jazz and wrote to you all.  I took a relaxing, hot bath with aromored candles burning and I refrained from doing anything strenuous, requiring much effort.  And most importantly, I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed myself!  

Now it's time for you too to give yourself permission to rest!  You are just as important as anything or anyone else.  I encourage you today to make it a point to stop and rest.  Besides, you only have one temple.  Take a break from pushing!  It's ok; I can guarantee you will not miss a step.  After all, you're entitled to treat yourself.  Rest!