My husband works as a commercial construction manager. Picture a giant, ruddy oak of righteousness. That’s him. I’ve noticed something interesting as I’ve watched him over the years. When he’s in a big-job-bid-mode (he spends long hours, weeks in a row poring over complicated blueprints), he gets mentally exhausted. It’s tempting for him to veg out in front of the TV after a long workday. But after years in the business, he now knows that what he needs during such times is physical movement. He needs a brisk walk, social engagement (with me, of course!), and conversation about something different than steel stud frames and fireproofing.
However, when it comes time to manage that job, you’ll find him on the job site, climbing flights of stairs all day long. He comes home physically tired. And what he wants, need more than anything, is a few minutes to stretch out his sore muscles and then to settle in for a cozy night by the fire, a bowl of popcorn, and a good movie.
Not all rest-deficits are the same. So not all solutions are the same.
Most everyone is battling some form of fatigue. The point is to discern where you’re tired, so you know what kind of replenishment you need.
Recently on Susie Larson Live, I spoke with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith about her book, “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity.” She writes:
“Rest is not for weaklings. Hollowing out space for rest is work. Finding time for rest is the hands and feet of the promises we long to claim. It means saying no. It means having limits with ourselves. It means having limits with others. It takes courage to rest in the midst of an outcome-driven society. It takes strength to walk away from good in pursuit of better…Healing occurs when we allow ourselves the time, space, and grace to be in the presence of God in the middle of our busy lives.”
Dr. Smith says that it’s not enough to stop the thing that’s exhausting you. You also need to add that which replenishes you. That’s the work of rest. To be intentional about making space to be restored.
It’s important too to remember that Jesus cares deeply about you. He said so Himself:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
If you’re living overwhelmed and under-joyed these days, run to Jesus. Ask Him to show you where you’re most tired. And then follow Him to places and spaces where He promises to restore your soul.