I literally crashed out.

My wrist was now crying out in pain from me repeatedly banging on the washing machine in frustration, and I could feel all levels of not being ok coursing through my veins. I was both physically and emotionally tired, and I needed a break. However, only busyness awaited me, and with that busyness came stress, physical exhaustion, and mental anguish.

I couldn’t live like this anymore.

After attempting to get out of the car and head into the school building, I looked out into the rising sun and heard God whisper, “Sit with Me for a while.” I put in an earbud, turned on Spotify, and played some Gospel music as I prayed to God. I had to get right, not for the work day ahead of me, but because I realized that staying in that emotional place would cause far more harm than good, setting me back more than I could imagine in that moment. My day would be long, but it would be significantly longer if I didn’t confront my pain and issues before I walked into that school building.

As the day went on, I could feel God shifting my mind, heart, and being, causing me to see His glory in every situation that transpired throughout the day. Again, the day was long- starting at 6am and not ending until about 7:30pm. I was exhausted and I needed rest but more than physical rest, I needed spiritual rest.

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Beloved, you know what I love about Jesus? I mean, beyond the fact that He came to earth to redeem us back to God. And beyond the fact that He died for our sins. And beyond the fact that He rose from the died, claiming all power over life and death. Beyond all of that, what I love about Jesus is that He believed in a good nap. Whew, thank You, Lord for naps!!!!

If you will, recall the story of Jesus and His disciples on the boat in Matthew 8:18-27. They were traveling and when Jesus got on the boat, He went down and took a nap. As He was sleeping, the storms began to rage and the disciples’ fear rose as the waves rose outside the boat. The disciples for worried and anxious, and then chose to wake up Jesus to tell Him what was going on.

Now, I don’t know about you, but if someone wakes me from a nap, it had better be for a good reason. My phones go into sleep mode at 7pm every weeknight and DND every Friday at 2:45pm. I value my rest and downtime because if I don’t intentionally lock myself away, I will become consumed with everything happening around me and I will get distracted. Much like Jesus, my rest time allows me to block out the world and ready myself for what comes next.

Sweet friend, you have to rest.
Scratch that- WE have to rest.

If we don’t take a moment to rest in the midst of a difficult season, we will not be able to endure. Resting is not a sign of weakness, but instead it is a sign of physical and mental strength. One who can intentionally plan out moments of rest, is one who knows that endurance is not built overnight.

We have an amazing journey ahead of us in Christ and I want us all to run this race well. Today’s healing tip is to take a moment wherever you all to rest in Christ and allow Him to give you strength to run this race.

Be blessed.