Rest

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” -Matt. 11:28 The idea of rest is definitely not over-rated. As a matter of fact, it’s way under rated. Worst of all, it’s under emphasized in me. In the Staples family genetic make-up, the “rest gene” is definitely lacking. But I won’t blame it on genetics. It’s the choice that I make. But every once in a while, the door opens to an almost surreal time of rest and relaxation. And most importantly, occasionally, I choose to walk through that door. We just returned from a wonderful trip to the west coast, specifically, San Diego. The beach and surroundings were beautiful. The past year has been challenging, to say the least. Jeanie and I needed a time to get away and rest. We spent the week with my big brother, Bob, and his wife, Lisa. Yes, the door opened and we walked through, but we had to be intentional. Several “voices” discouraged us from going. “It costs too much.” Rest always comes with a cost. Flights to the west coast are not inexpensive. But the cost of not seeking rest is higher. We always pay a price for staying busy and that currency is our neglected families, friends and our own contentment. In the end, we spend our money on our most valuable commodities and our rest is well worth the price tag. The results of a healthier marriage, a stronger family and a healthier me are invaluable. Someone said, “We work hard our whole lives to make money to spend on our families but not with our families.” Being at rest for and with those we love is worth every penny. “I don’t have time.” Time is indeed an illusive, funny thing. Sure, we need to honor our vacation priorities where we work. But most of the time, we make time to do the things we really want to do. As is often quoted, “Love is spelled T-I-M-E.” The truth is, we make time to do the things that are important to us. We have time, it’s just a matter of moving it up in the priority list. And we’ll always be glad we did. “Things won’t run well without me.” We feel a sense of guilt that if we go and leave the business to others, it will all suffer. We would all be surprised at how well things really do run when we get out of the way. The world was spinning before we were born and will continue when we leave. Pride wants us to think that what we do is more valuable than it truly is. Humility wants us to realize we are not what we do- we are who we are. For me to be the best Joey I can be, I need rest and recovery. And I need to trust those on the mission with me to run the show. Perhaps, just perhaps, things will run even better when I’m gone! “It’s too much trouble to travel.” Sure, going from here to there involves movement and energy. Moving is never easy. The hardest part about rest is getting there. Getting off the treadmill can be difficult. If it’s all we’ve ever known, then change is a challenge. But we need to take the journey from A to B, from heavy to light. Ralph Marston said, “Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” Someone said, “A field that has rested yields a bountiful crop.” Take the time to chill out. Take your wife on a trip, load the family in the car and go camping, go for a walk by the lake, spend some time on the back porch reading God’s Word. Be intentional about your rest. Let the Lord build you up…. …so that He can produce that beautiful crop of peace in you. By Eric Joseph Staples © www.lifeaid101.com