Embracing Rest in a Busy World: Finding Peace and Connection in the Midst of Hustle

As holidays go, Thanksgiving is one of the best for just “chilling” before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season begins. A good “nap” day if you get the chance to get a little break from the action.

Speaking of taking a nap, how do you “REST”? Do you ever take time to “get away from it all”? If just for a brief period of “REST.”

With the busyness of today’s world, recent studies by the National Sleep Foundation suggest that, as American men, we are resting less than our counterparts did in the past. They say technology and the fact that our world never stops, our rest periods are getting less and less. They estimate that this lack of “rest” is resulting in more stress and anxiety in our lives overall. We sure feel this, and we suspect you do too. Life is so busy! We feel guilty if we ever take a few minutes to stop and take a “rest.”

As you read the Bible, there are many examples of when Jesus made sure HE had time alone for prayer and reflection. Time for REST. There were times when everyone else was awake, and Jesus was sleeping.

We are reminded of Mark 4:37-38. “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher don’t you care if we drown”?

I bet you are saying, sure, Jesus was Jesus. He could sleep since HE was God. True. But the point is that God came to earth as Jesus to be one of US. To live and experience life as we do. Jesus took time to sleep and rest. Face it, He knows we are busy and living a fast-paced life. But throughout the Bible, Jesus shows us how to live. He shows us that REST is important for us and our lives.

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you REST. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We often talk about refilling our batteries to be better husbands, fathers, co-workers, etc. if we run on empty and do not take time to “rest,” how we interact with others and our productivity is negatively impacted. We are not our best at work or home. So, now what? As hard as it may be for you, we suggest over the next month, you find a time each day if just for five to ten minutes, to take time to just “REST”. To quiet your mind and open your heart to listen to Jesus. Allow yourself some YOU time. Do not feel guilty. God wants this for you. Make it a priority on your schedule, just like you do workouts and other activities.

Another saying we have on our desk is, “BE STILL and KNOW I AM GOD”. Psalm 46:10. A constant reminder to take time to BE STILL, TO REST AND TO CONNECT WITH GOD.

Have a GREAT week, and be reminded of this quote from Alan Cohen: “There is virtue in work, and there is virtue in REST. Use both and overlook neither.”