Rest

Rest is one thing I long for, but I am not very good at it. I'm not talking about sleep. I do that great! I mean resting, relaxing, just happily doing nothing. There is always something to do and usually not enough time to get everything done, and yet resting is so nice. I love to read, that is my big treat to myself. If I can work really hard and get a bunch of "stuff" done, then I can sit and read for awhile. Getting absorbed in a great book is undescribable. I also enjoy a good movie (those rare finds that leave you feeling inspired and happy about life). And sometimes a good TV show can make me laugh or cry and just sit down and relax for awhile. If I love the "idea" of resting/relaxing, and I see the need for it, and I see the value in it, then why is it just so hard to really do it.
At church we learn that God worked for 6 days and then on the seventh day He rested. So most people take that as okay you should work Mon- Sat and then "rest" on Sunday. I love that idea, and my family (the five of us) do that quite well. Sunday's is like family day, so for the most part we don't "work" (except making meals and cleaning up the kitchen)
I find that I need more than just rest on Sunday. (maybe because with three amazing, joyful and high energy kids... it ain't no book) So I try to have some down time each day. Just to chill out and re-group my thoughts, priorities, to-do list, meal plans, etc. I guess it is a way to stay organized and not go crazy. Raising three children and running a home requires a level of mult-tasking that is beyond me. I used to think I was a relatively organized person, with a decent memory and able to multi-task alright. But I prove myself wrong everyday. This job I call "being a mom and wife" is way beyond my capabilities. But by God's grace and with His help things keep going. I am reminded daily that I can't do it alone, and my prayer everyday is for God's wisdom on what choices to make, God's strength to get through the challenges, and God's love to flow through me. The Bible says that "Love covers over all wrongs". And that gives me peace. I may do a lot of things wrong, but I will continue to love no matter what.
I write all of this to you as I sit on the sofa, resting, (I pushed myself too hard yesterday at the gym, and my back is suffering today). So my husband went to a soccer game with the kids, and gave me instructions that I must REST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!