Heart to Heart Sunday

So I have decided to start "Heart to Heart Sunday" where I would just share with you what is on my heart. Maybe it won't be too scary. ;)

Today is Sunday and it made me consider how so many of us tend to ignore one of the most important activities we can do for ourselves: REST! Throughout the week, we are running to fulfill obligations, prepare for something coming up (like a brand new school year!) or trying to get all of those pesky doctor appointments in before it is time to go back to work. It is easy to push aside a time of rest as just a hindrance to productivity! We consider how much we can get accomplished with those late hours or busy minutes. One thing that I have learned over the past few years is that if we do not take care of our bodies, it can rebel!

I am amazed at the many physical issues that result from lack of rest. Over the past 5 years, my body has been on quite a roller coaster. This ride has brought me to the point that I had to re-prioritize my life. So, I decided to focus on God and focus on my family. It also forced me to REST!!! So I thought I would share a few things that I do to get some rest.

First, I don't beat myself up when I sit down!! This is such a biggie for me. I used to feel that if I sat down, I was wasting time. I would also feel ashamed if I laid down in the middle of the day (when the opportunity came up). I wouldn't want anyone to know! Over the past few years I have learned, rest is a natural process that is normal, not the running on a hamster wheel life that I used to live! So, now rest is a priority, and I no longer feel ashamed! Yes, there are days I take a power nap. Woohoo! Also, I sit down on the couch sometimes and do absolutely nothing! Not even read! Sometimes it takes a bit of unwinding to give me the charge I need!

Secondly, I find time to spend with my family. I have found that if I refocus on what is the most important, things just fall into place! That includes making God a priority. So, I spend Sunday with my church family. It is amazing how much I can accomplish when I have dedicated my days to God and have spent time worshiping Him on that first day of the week.

Thirdly, books are my friends! If I need to just completely forget everything, I will spend some time in a book.

So, I know you may be thinking, ummmmm.... don't have time for any of that! Or maybe, you don't like to read! Believe it or not, I have met a few teachers who didn't. But let me say, find something that helps you unwind and don't feel guilty about doing it! If you sit on the couch after school and your house needs help, take a power nap before tackling it! You will be amazed what 20 minutes of rest can do! Maybe you have little ones that won't let you rest in the middle of the day, put them to bed 20 minutes earlier and let them read while you spend a few minutes to yourself, and force yourself to not try to accomplish something during that time! I give you permission to just sit with a cup of hot tea or a cold Dr. Pepper and just put your feet up! Watch the carpet grow! ;) Even blogging during this time would be a no-no since this will just give you a whole new to-do list you will feel you have to accomplish. :) Oh yes, I know how you are because I am the same way.

So, this is just a reminder... rest is the opposite of lazy! You are accomplishing something very important: recharging your system and giving your body permission to restore itself. I pray today is a time for you to recharge for another busy week ahead!