Rest NOT Stress

Hey! I was able to put the finishing touches on our reading loft yesterday. I must say, I LOVE the space. The space is the perfect mix of warm, cozy, welcoming and just the right climate for reading, writing or being creative.  I spent some time there last night and was so blessed this morning after witnessing my daughter cozied up on the chaise lounge with her throw and a good book. Reflecting on my gratitude list, this is yet another item to

 add. I love having a place to go, to rest and rejuvenate. Rest and rejuvenating, as a matter of fact, are the main theme on my mind these days.

I have been learning to rest, which is more challenging than one may think. Not in the sense that I am learning to physically do nothing (although I have been lax in my workouts), but in the sense that I am learning to rest in the Lord and trust He has all things worked out and I need only to trust Him with EVERYTHING.

Everything being, well, everything. When my relationships are experiencing a season of turmoil, I need to rest in Him. When my time is being maxed out due to extra hours at the office, rest in Him. When my body is going through an adjustment period and things appear "off", rest in Him. When I'm not exactly sure what the future may hold - REST IN HIM. Rest NOT stress.

For the longest time I have reserved Sundays as a day of rest. Believing it is Biblical and knowing I operate better when practicing this habit, I have always held it as a priority in my life. I have been challenged in the way I view this lately. Thoughts have been coming to mind that resting isn't reserved only for the seventh day. Resting in the Lord, as I am coming to understand it now, is intended for every moment of every day. This allows my anxiety and control over life to be relinquished and God's Spirit to reign. In those moments where I would love to control the outcome of a situation or when I may begin to experience anxiety about what an outcome may be, I have a choice to go to the place where God is, and let it all go by placing my concerns at His feet.

This doesn't require a room, or place with a certain ambiance, it simply requires I consciously acknowledge my thoughts and allow God to bring me peace. Calm. Rejuvenation. In an instant, I am learning (or possibly being reminded), all can be let go and God's presence can rule in my heart, mind and thoughts.

This, in turn, affects the way I respond to others, otherwise stressful scenarios, and even self induced pressure to reach goals I have for myself. I am also finding, I do not spend nearly as much energy and I actually have MORE energy on a daily basis. I am also sleeping better. I just feel good.

BUT I AM LEARNING. There are moments when I fail to respond in this new way, and I feel the impact. I also begin to come down on myself. But even then, in those moments when I am prone to being hard on myself, I need to remind myself to rest in God. And I can, because He desires I do. He desires I come to HIM for ALL things. There is nothing He can't handle.

What is going on with the rest of my goals? I still have them. I continue to learn what works best for me and my family and what should be a part of my lifestyle. I actually have some other things to share, but I think I will save them for another post. Things are improving and I am really grateful for the changes that are being made!

Happy Sunday, be well, and rest.

---