The plan seemed dicey. My friend with cancer was declining. And after this family getaway, my husband was traveling extensively with our organization.  

But lately, there had hardly seemed time to sit down. 

Like a friend of mine who runs marathons, I needed a proportional beat after expending significant energy. (Remember Jesus getting alone after feeding the 5,000?)  

We must spend our energy rhythmically. Sustainably. 

I had to ask: Do I really think it’s God’s will for me to be constantly burned out for all these things I think he wants me to do? Was Jesus the most burned-out guy on the planet? 

Which tells me I have a discernment problem. 

So that week, I read. I oil painted (badly) alongside my kids. We played board games, popped corn, watched old movies, slept, walked. 

Observations from my soul on rest: 

1. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). 

I think I’m getting ahead on work, but so often, I’m just making space for more work. 

2. I don’t always need to be relentlessly available. 

3. When I rest, I feel less like a slave, more like a daughter. 

Machines operate around the clock. Not people.  

In the story of the prodigal son, the elder son was long-term enraged because he didn’t see his father giving him ingredients for a party. His narrative: Doing his father’s work, unappreciated, in the field. 

But note the father’s response: “Son, all that I have is yours” (Luke 15:31). 

Can I complain God isn’t giving rest if He leads me beside quiet waters and green pastures, but I mow the yard and swim laps? 

4. God didn’t rest because He needed or deserved it. 

Sabbath is an unearned rhythm declaring our freedom from slavery (Deuteronomy 5:15). 

5. I play with my kids more. I love my husband more. I love sincerely (Romans 12:9). 

6. I’m more resilient and gracious. 

7. I have more time to be with God. 

Prayer spreads out on the couch of free time. Turns out God is less of a faucet I can turn off and on. 

8. I am more present with God and people. 

I listen better when I have nowhere to go, and the capacity to receive the person across from me. 

9. I’m more observant and grateful.  

10. I’m more creative and visionary. 

11. I have more capacity for what lies around the corner. 

What’s your soul like on rest?