Rest Is Not Nothing


I'm sitting on the deck this morning, staring out over open land...in the country, visiting family. It's not too hot yet and it's peaceful.

Really peaceful.

So much so that I'm reluctant to go in and get ready for the day, because later it will be sticky again. The sauna-like weather that keeps you inside or takes you to the pool.



I'm not much of a pool person. So, when the others head out, I'll find something else to do...like write or read the book I started. Maybe I'll take a nap, or spend some time with God.

I'm not used to not having to be somewhere, do something, or research and study our new way of life. This would usually make me antsy and uncomfortable.

And it might in a few days, but not yet.

Right now I'm content to sit and write this post...about nothing.

But maybe it's not about nothing—because needing to rest is not nothing.

Jesus rested. And He didn't feel guilty about it.
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 NLT (bold mine)
God made us with the need to rest. Jesus knew that. He taught it. He practiced it.

But we tend to forget or ignore it...or think it wasn't meant for us.

But it is meant for us—this need to rest.

For you and for me.

And when you put off rest too long, you find yourself like me, in a chair looking out over open land...not wanting to start the day.

Even if others are waiting on you.

In Christ,
Laura


7 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding me, I have permission, to just rest.

    I love the sunset picture.

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  2. You got me at the title: rest is not nothing. I couldn't agree more. Especially in theory. ha. Now I need to put it into practice without feeling guilty. Praying for your journey ahead with food choices!

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  3. Yes, I am so glad that the God who made us knows what we need! Thank you for sharing this important truth. It's easy to forget but rest can truly be a spiritual discipline. ;-)

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  4. This post has continued to resonate in mind the last 24+ hours, especially after our incredible chat IN PERSON yesterday :-) Today I was intentional about doing less... I released my workout since Charis has been a little pukey and spent the day resting-- nap included.

    Thanks so much for linking up with #EverydayJesus and meeting me for lunch yesterday. You, dear Laura, are a beautiful soul.

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  5. Hi Laura, great post my friend and great reminder that a little rest is good. The thing to do is in the moment, rest! So, i hope you continue to do just that in your moment of rest
    God bless
    Tracy

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  6. Wonderful & wise post, Laura. We so need rest. I loved seeing the rolled bales. Made me realize that as we rest in His pastures, He provides exactly what we need. May you soak up the rest! And thank you for this post!

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  7. needed this reminder, thanks Laura and to think Jesus didn't feel guilty. wow that freed me!

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