A Time to Rest...

What thoughts come to your mind when you think about the word rest?

I’m not speaking about the kind of rest we look for when we’re completely exhausted. I mean the kind we may often forget we need well before the level of exhaustion hits.

I’ve been deep in my creative mind lately. Ideas are flowing, things are taking shape, and there’s a lot of excitement happening inside me about the direction I’m headed in. It’s a good place to be.

It’s also a place where I can easily keep going without taking time to appreciate where I am right here and now.

This is the moment of rest I’m referring to.

The times when we need to stop long enough to let our minds rest.

We can get so focused on keeping the momentum that we forget momentum needs some room to breathe and to process.

There is value in sitting still long enough to hear what’s underneath the noise of constant progress and movement. For me, it is grounding and resting in Yahweh’s presence.

Not feeling the need to have all the answers, trusting I don’t have to carry everything forward on my own.

Allowing time and space for the rhythm to flow without the fear of losing momentum.

Taking a pause doesn’t erase progress. It gives us an opportunity to look around and say, “wait… I’ve done something here.” and that is well worth pausing for. What good is all the progress if we don't take the time to see it with a fresh pair of eyes and a renewed sense of purpose?

Rest is part of the process. The moments we recognize when it’s time to slow down, rest our minds, calm our spirits, and be present in what we’ve been given before we’re at the point of running on empty.

Believe it or not, rest is not simply a task on your to-do list, it is a solid practice meant to rejuvenate your spirit.

This has been my gentle reminder for the week. Continuing to learn that rest isn’t the opposite of moving forward, it’s what makes moving forward sustainable.

Being present enough to see what’s taking shape before rushing ahead to what’s next.

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

This Weeks Reflection

Where do you need rest, right now, before you get to empty?

Are you allowing yourself time to take a breath and recognize how far you’ve already come?

Give yourself a pat on the back and sit with the thought for a moment; see what comes up for you.

Until next time,

Nicole Z.