A Place for Rest

Do you feel a little thrill after accomplishing tasks? I do! Crossing off my "to do list" is one of my favorite things! I tend to measure the worth of a day in the number of things I've "checked off."

"Don't have to worry about ___ today." Or "I am so relieved that I don't have to think about ____ anymore." I'm sure you know the feeling. It can be somewhat of a high.

Over the past few months, I've been working hard to recognize unhealthy patterns and habits in my life. I have to confess; this is one area where I've created some bad habits. In fact, I've reinforced a cycle that says "If you work hard and accomplish something, then you have value." That doesn't sound so bad at first. But a closer look will reveal an insidious aspect to this thought process.

When I am unable to accomplish or preform to a certain standard, I tend to fall into self-criticism. If I'm not always busy I think "I'm not doing enough." I feel guilty and have difficulty opting out of events or gatherings because "I really should help with ___."

Slowly, I've acknowledged this thought pattern as a potential pitfall. My rushing attitude and packed full life sometimes leaves me feeling tired and rundown. I miss the present moment while thinking ahead to my next move.

BUT... thankfully, this is where rest comes to the rescue.

I'm always blown away by Genesis 2:2 "On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work." The God of the universe stopped and enjoyed what He had just created. Pretty crazy right!?!

I believe that God created us for rest. A time to reflect quietly. To develop deep relationships. To spend uninterrupted time with those we love. A time to notice and enjoy the otherwise easily missed joys of life. The constant go, go, go, attitude of our culture leaves little time for us to be alone with our thoughts. Little time to spend time just being still and living in the moment.

Obviously, checklists and accomplishments have an important place in life. And I will probably always find satisfaction in my completed "to do list." But I am working towards cultivating a life well-balanced by both productivity and rest. Below I'd like to share a few of the things that I am trying to incorporate into my life that help me slow down and find contentment in the moment I'm in.

• Schedule a day at home with no plans - this allows me to have flexibility and not feel like I'm rushing from one thing to the next.
  

• Give yourself ample time to complete responsibilities - There is a big difference between rushing to get the dishes done before I head out the door to work and quietly washing them in the evening while listening to music and thinking over the meal we've enjoyed.
  

• Make eye contact and listen to understand during conversations - I often find myself thinking a million thoughts while someone is talking to me. I'm learning to shut it down and focus on the relationship and heart behind the conversation.
  

• Make time for the little things you enjoy - A cup of tea in the evening, sitting on the porch in a thunderstorm, taking a walk, picking fresh flowers., the list goes on. I often push these things away and think "I'll do that when I have time." But there will always be something else needing done. So just go do it! Revel in the moment fully and without guilt.
  

• PUT THE PHONE AWAY - 5 minutes of scrolling turns into a rabbit hole and an hour later I realize I've missed the sunset or a meaningful memory with my family. Phones are awesome and provide so many resources, but as they say "with great power comes great responsibility."
  

• It's okay to say no - This is probably the hardest one for me. I tend to people please. In the past this has led me to over committing myself and not really enjoying my responsibilities. I am learning to choose a few activities to do well rather than trying to do them all half-heartedly.

So that's what's been on my heart and mind lately. I hope that you are encouraged to continue striving for a well-balanced life. One characterized by both productivity and rest.

Thanks for reading,

Abby