9-12-21 Peace and Rest
Quote: “There are two types of tired: one that requires rest, and one that requires peace.”
Many of you that are friends of mine know the crazy lifestyle that our family lives. It is definitely not the “norm” and we know that. I am married to a teacher, which means we have the summers off of work together. For 9 months we pour our hearts and energy into our students and our own 3 boys. But then for 3 months we GO. And by “go” I mean it. We travel the state, country, and world. This past summer we drove, sailed, and flew. We road tripped, tent pitched, cliff climbed, cave crawled, sand dune raced, waterfall jumped, jungle walked, ocean swam, coral reef explored, and beach walked. I think I counted 4 nights I actually spent in my own bed. It…was…awesome!
But what many don’t know was I wasn’t tired. I was resting. I was at peace.
Others might have been exhausted just hearing about all the traveling we were doing! But for some people, having a different pace of life is actually restful. Not being on a regular work schedule, never knowing who you are going to meet, not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring – that is exciting for our family. It brings a deep peace inside us because we are letting God take control of the day. “What amazing experiences are we going to laugh about tonight as we start another new adventure today?” becomes our motto. Letting him take the wheel for 3 months. Making the travel accommodations and then letting God take the reins. That is what brings our family peace. We rest in the fact that God is in charge, not us.
Sometimes when our souls are tired, we need to physically rest. Other times we may need to take moments of mental and emotional and spiritual peace, whatever that may look like to you.
For you, rest might be a nap – trust me I slept in and took plenty of naps in very odd places… a hammock in the woods, an uncomfortable airplane seat, the netting on the front of a sailboat – just to name a few! Rest and peace could also be reading a good book – I was able to read 5! Or it might also be making deep connections with new people – I booked a trip to Guatemala with no itinerary and just showed up (who does that?!) and ending up making friends from all over the world! I also took an online class on healing and deliverance that allowed me to be healed of some past wounds that brought me such deep peace!
The Bible talks a lot about resting and finding time for moments of peace. The book of Psalms is comprised of poetry and beautiful words of wisdom. In Psalm 4:8, it says this: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Whatever you need, rest or peace or both, God is ready to fill you up. He is a place of safety and comfort! He is the one that was being killed on a cross and peacefully said, “Father forgive them”. He is the King of Peace and the best example for us. Many times he left his disciples and went off on his own to rest and have peace and quiet. Other times he moved away from the crowds and hung out with just his disciples to find peace and comfort.
When you are rested and have inner peace, you are able to live your best life. If you are tired, turn to the One who offers you both rest and peace. Then give it all you got once you have been filled back up! And when your cup gets empty again, make times for peace and rest. Then simply repeat this cycle over and over until the day He calls you home. Heaven is our reward – an eternal place of peace.
