So she goes down each day around 1PM for her nap. And so do I š
But school is out and she is home with mom for the summer and still my body longs for the small nap in the mid afternoon.
But sleep eludes me and I realize it is not sleep I desire but rest.
‘Rest’ as defined by dictionary.com > “refreshing ease or inactivity; relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs; mental or spiritual calm; tranquility.”
In the midst of my small nap each afternoon, I find the mental and spiritual calm my soul longs for each day. It is what drives me to waken early each morning.
But why? Why do I long for rest?
1) It is in those times of rest that I discover Who God is in my life. I once read [and do not have the reference – Sorry!] – “The nature of God is eternal rest. Rest is not what God did. Rest is who God is.”
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1, NIV)
As I rest, I come to know Him more deeply. When difficulties strike, I may shake a little but in the long run, remain undaunted as I see the circumstances from God’s perspective.
2) It is in those times of rest that I remember. In stopping, I remember to look for His leading.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16, NLT)
As I rest, He is able to direct my paths. The good way is the way our God approves. It is also the way that is best for us.
3) It is in those times of rest that I learn and gain knowledge of Christ.
“Come to me, all of you, who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NLT)
It is in those times of rest, I learn of the gentleness and humility of Jesus and hopefully, become more like Him. I may not escape illness or difficulties, but I can experience God’s sustaining grace so that I am not crushed or filled with hopelessness or despair.
Take that “smallish nap or two”. You may find it does wonders for your soul.
Mine are best on Sunday afternoons.
Try it and see if I’m not right!
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Women With Intention .
Love this! Glad to be your #TellHisStory neighbor. So much that rest
“accomplishes” ironically -and no wonder, look He designed it and embodies it! Thanks for this reminder!
Love that you added … “look He designed it and embodies it”. So true! May we remember to rest a little each day – in Him. Blessings!
Once my kids outgrew naps, I told them that I still needed my quiet time, so instead of them going to their rooms, I went to mine for a half-hour or so. š We all need our rest.
Lisa, you so made me smile with this! Love that you took to your room instead of them š
I’m not a very good napper, but I like my rest. God’s been teaching me about how important rest is to our lives. Thanks for sharing more wisdom!
Kristin, you make such a good point. It’s not whether we nap or rest, it is that we take the time to be still each day. It is in that stillness, our souls are replenished. Thank you!