Rest to be our Best

by Julie May

Over the years I have found that if I don’t have the proper amount of God given rest, I cannot be at my best.  I become cranky, irritable, short-fused and can’t focus.  We, as a society, overwork and over commit ourselves, which leads to burnout.  As I look back, I think I’ve lived more in a state of burnout than not.  We tend to put too much pressure on ourselves and others around us. 

We can learn so much from Jesus, our Prince of Peace, our example of rest, peace, discipline and focus.  Jesus, even in stressful situations, brings calm to us. In the Scripture below, even as I have heard it and read it many, many times, it still teaches me to relax, rest in Him, trust, have faith - that everything will be ok.   

Here Jesus is napping in the middle of a storm - reminding us there is time for rest: 

Jesus Calms the Storm  

Mark 4:37-40 

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

I have the privilege to help facilitate GriefShare programming at The Creek.  This is a huge blessing that has come into our lives due to life circumstances, but it can take a toll if we don’t take a break.  When we near completion of almost 10 months of gathering twice a week with those who have lost loved one(s), we feel our tanks are nearing empty.  We need to step back to rest in order to renew and replenish.  This comes with mixed emotions and anxiety every Spring when we are about to have this break. We don’t want to stop meeting with those that are hurting and in a storm - the ones God has put into our lives for comfort and care.  We can feel guilt, we can get a feeling that we are not doing enough or accomplishing enough for them and the program. God helps us discern that it is the evil one that is attacking us and making us feel this way.  God wants us to be at our best for Him, and in turn be the best we can be for them. Therefore, we give it over to God. He has answered that we are not leaving them - we can pray for the attendees, we can send words of encouragement and prayer through a phone call, a text message, an email or a mailing.  We have invited them to church and have had some join us, we have invited them to the Prayer Porch. We can stay connected in these ways, but still have a stretch of time during the summer months to refresh and refuel ourselves and prepare for the next “season” to begin. Our mental, spiritual, and physical health relies on rest, and we shouldn’t feel guilty about it.  

Here are some strategies we use as facilitators:  

Prayer 

God is in control of the outcome of our group - He holds the lives of the attendees in His hands.  We remind ourselves we are not their Savior, and that only God can save, and we steer clear of trying to fix them and their situation - “trying to fix” leads to quick burnout.   

Faith/Trust 

The world does not stop if we take some time off.  God will provide. 

Physical Care 

Our physical bodies are the temple of God, we are to take special care.  Regular rest and exercise can counter the negative physical effects of stress. 

Routine 

Routine helps everyone on the GriefShare team and the attendees to know when the meetings will be held.  We keep the same months, the same nights, and the same times.  Being consistent is huge.  I learned when I became a parent, routine was extremely important.  The kids thrived when they were on a good sleeping and resting schedule and so did Mom! 

Support 

God doesn’t expect us to do life alone. We all need a break, and we should ask for help. It is important to have a team and be able to delegate! 

Saying No 

Over-scheduling can lead to unsatisfactory work and a poor ministry outcome.  This goes back to the breaks we take to regain our strength and prepare for the next round of GriefShare. 

It hasn’t come easy for me to take time off - I have had a hard time with Sabbath rest a good part of my life.  Thankfully I take rest more seriously now and not only make time for weekly rest—I’ve gained an obedience of daily rest.  To rest in Jesus every day, I’ve noticed a difference.  

And I still find time on most days to do the daily WORDLE!