souldare

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message)

Rest is not my default language. I am a goer and a doer. Yet I am learning once again, rest is not always what I think it is. It doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping or doing nothing. The dictionary definition and some synonyms of rest shed some light on the topic for me.

According to the Oxford Dictionary rest means “to stop working or moving in order to relax or recover strength.” Rest is a time to pause, to cultivate serenity, to regain perspective. Pondering the list of synonyms for rest, brings relief and comfort: repose, relaxation, leisure, time off, sleep, slumber, break, interval, interlude, intermission, lull, respite, breathing space. Ah…..and more words of rest (the verb form): relax, unwind, put your feet up, take it easy, sleep, take a nap, doze or lean on.

Just reading this list ushers in a mood of calm and peacefulness. Words have a way of refreshing the soul, spirit, body and mind.

As I enter this season of rest, slowing down and pausing…I’ve learned a couple things about myself:

I don’t have to finish a task all at once.

I get bored.

I like naps.

Walking slowly is a form of rest.

Yoga relaxes me. I’m learning to breathe deeper.

Each day is different, and that’s good.

How are you seeking rest this season?