T'was the Saturday before finals week and all through the dorms, everyone was studying, because that's the norm. I did. I studied real hard. And I also had to work that night. I had one hour of my day on my schedule where I didn't have to do anything. If you can imagine, I was feeling pretty stressed out.
The next day was Sunday. I went to church, even though I was super tired, but ended up not feeling well and having to leave. Who knew what a blessing that could be! I went to my dorm, and knowing that I had not truly given a lot of TLC to my relationship with God lately, I searched for Bible studies online. I clicked on one. Guess what it was about? Taking a day of rest.
Let me just tell you about my recent "day of rests." It was common for me to go to church on Sunday, eat lunch, and then do homework the rest of the day until I had rehearsal for choir. I figured that was fine; I wasn't doing work that I actually got paid for.
I was wrong. If there is anything scheduled in your day that causes you anxiety or stress, something that you think you need to get done, something with a deadline...Are you truly resting by trying to get that done?
When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, they couldn't save manna overnight or it would turn bad the next day. However, they could gather extra the day before the Sabbath and keep it, so that they wouldn't have to do work on the Sabbath day. Usually I do try to get a bunch of work done throughout the week so that I can have some relaxing time, but I always schedule something to do during my "rest" day. It's kind of like a weird addiction. I have to stay productive to stay happy.
Well you know what? After watching that Bible study, I decided to not look at my carefully plotted out schedule that had a million things for me to do on it. You know what I did? I took a nap. I decided I could work on things the next day, and that I don't truly have to be 10 days ahead in every class.
God took a day of rest. I'm just a human. I definitely need that rest.
It felt great to let go of my worries and enjoy the day. I still did some work, but I didn't stress myself out about it. I was able to enjoy my day and focus on God. I don't feel like I was unproductive. In fact, I feel that, because I took some time to myself today, the rest of my week will reap some good benefits. I can be so much more productive after getting some rest - can't we all?
My suggestion to you is to get some rest. You can do so much more with your time when you feel rested up. At your busiest moment is when you need to rest and focus on God the most. (p.s. this does not mean you should put off all your assignments! Get that work done early! It also does not mean you should go party on your day of rest. That's right, the Man upstairs is watching you *wink wink*)
I know it's hard, but you have to make time to rest. You can do it. It's so worth it.
