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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://growthandfaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-photo-235990.jpeg" alt="cairn stones and body of water in distance" class="wp-image-1397" style="width:781px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by Pixabay on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/cairn-stones-and-body-of-water-in-distance-235990/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a></figcaption></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Have you ever felt guilty about taking some time off to rest and practice self-care? I have, and I am working to change that mindset. In the past few months, I have been figuring out how to incorporate rest, relaxation, and reflection into my routine. As someone who often struggles with finding time to rest properly in a fast-paced, modern world, the idea of a day of rest can seem like a distant dream.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yet, as I have gotten older, my body has rebelled, giving me no choice but to slow down. I have been slowly working to incorporate and schedule day(s) of rest as part of my routine. There are moments when I have felt guilty for taking that time for self-care. At those times, I had to remind myself to look to the example set by God himself to guide me toward finding rest and renewal. One significant example is how God rested on the seventh day of creation. So, let&#8217;s spend a moment defining what rest is and its benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest Is A Pause</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines rest as<strong> ;</strong>&#8220;a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities; freedom from activity or labor; a state of motionless or inactivity; peace of mind or spirit.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recently, rest has been defined as an act of resistance and freedom. Because in that moment of stillness, we can reflect, process, gain insights, and generate new ideas. It is a time to connect to our soul, spirit, and source. Without that moment of peace, we can lose sight of who we are and our purpose.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest Is Sacred</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We live in a society that values busyness and productivity above all else. It&#8217;s easy to feel guilty or lazy if we take a break from work or other obligations. However, the fact that God rested after creating the world shows us that rest is sacred. Even God himself took a break and deemed it necessary. This means that we should not feel guilty for taking the time to rest and rejuvenate. Rest is vital to a healthy spiritual, mental, and physical life.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;For whoever has entered God&#8217;s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.&#8221;</p>
<cite>Hebrews 4 v. 10-11</cite></blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest Is a Gift</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We can approach rest with greater gratitude and appreciation when we view it as a gift. Rather than seeing it as a waste of time or something to be avoided at all costs, we can see it as an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Like many gifts, rest must be received and embraced with open hands. When we receive this gift of rest with gratitude, we can experience greater peace and contentment. It is a gift from God and should be respected and honored.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.&#8221;</p>
<cite>Mathew 11 v. 28</cite></blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest Brings Renewal</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In modern society, there is often an unlimited number of tasks to complete and responsibilities to fulfill. It can be easy to slip into a cycle of exhaustion and burnout. However, when we prioritize rest, we can experience a sense of renewal that is necessary for our overall well-being. God&#8217;s day of rest was not merely a break from creation but an opportunity to step back and appreciate the beauty and goodness he had created. In the same way, we can find renewal and a fresh perspective when we step back from our everyday lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest Requires Discipline</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As much as we may long for rest, it can be challenging to make it happen. Sometimes, we need to create space for rest in our lives intentionally. This might involve setting boundaries with work, saying no to certain activities, or intentionally planning time for relaxation. Just as God set aside a specific day for rest, let&#8217;s take the time to rest and recharge.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://growthandfaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bora-bora-french-polynesia-sunset-ocean-1.jpg" alt="body of water during dawn" class="wp-image-1395"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by Pixabay on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/body-of-water-during-dawn-37403/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Need to Rest</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reflecting on the impact of a lack of rest on my body and my life, I see the value and necessity of incorporating rest into my daily routine.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As part of my process, I have been actively setting boundaries and stepping down from committees and groups. I have taken mental health days off work and worshiped God at home on some Sundays. I have also made it a point to clear my schedule or decline invitations after working long weeks and evenings. I have included self-care practices (i.e., massages, mani-pedi, reflection walks) in my monthly personal care.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I no longer see rest as a luxury or a sign of laziness. It is a vital component of my overall well-being. As I work to follow in God&#8217;s footsteps and make time for rest and renewal, I pray that I may experience greater peace, contentment, and gratitude.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I hope this post will give you a friendly reminder to rest and embrace it with open hands and hearts, knowing that it is both a sacred and necessary for your well-being. </p>
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