It’s important to rest from work. In our daily lives, there is a constant pull on our time, our thoughts and our physical attention. After a while this can wear away our most creative edges and the inspiration that is required to do our best work.
In my family, we have made it a habit to spend time together for at least a week every summer. During this time, we disconnect from our normal daily lives by vacationing away from home. Our responsibilities at home are covered by family and friends, and we
are free to travel and unwind.
During our break, one of the things I notice right away is the awkward disconnect from clock-watching. Time takes so much of our attention and consideration, and it should as we work efficiently and effectively in our workplaces, but I really enjoy “losing
track of time” while on vacation.
Another thing I notice is that memorable moments can take as long as they need to without pressure to end. This is really refreshing to my soul! Long moments spent talking, laughing, eating together, or just simply enjoying my family’s nearness are such a delight.
(I consider these times as memory additions to mental scrapbooks. We can always revisit these memories if first we make them.)
Partaking of God’s beautiful creation on vacation causes rest and refreshing. God never fails to amaze me with His attention to beauty and wonder in the world around me! I often find myself smiling at God when I am surrounded by nature.
I also find I hear God in a different way. Maybe it’s that I hear Him more easily because His voice isn’t surrounded by so much noise. I love the companionship of the Holy Spirit during these times away. God’s profound simplicity is abundantly available for my taking.
During family vacations I smile more easily. I find myself giggling and acting like a little girl, remembering that I am first and foremost, a blessed child of God.
Vacations are a great time for me to reset and shake off the dust of everyday life. I always return home with a fresh appreciation for the world around me. My thoughts clear up and I find inspiration for my God-given priorities once again. I see with new eyes
of love, and I have abundant energy to do my work well. My senses are heightened to notice the world around me, but especially the people around me. My spirit is light, and I can pray about things I may not have noticed before. Rest is good for the soul and
spirit!
Resting should not only come once a year in the form of a vacation, though. We need rest on a regular basis to be actively and effectively about our Father’s work.
Hebrews 4:9,10 NKJV
9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
This verse refers to resting in God through faith. It’s important to rest in faith, trusting God in our lives. Taking rest on a regular basis, the way God intended, gives us times of refreshing so that we can always give our faith-filled best to Him. God deserves
nothing less.
