A Rested Development

Long before it was an American hit sitcom, or a rap music group, the term "arrested development" was used to describe a condition in which the individual ceases normal psychological development (or is stuck in a particular psychological development stage) due to trauma, lacking some aspect of nurturance, or a chemical addiction.  Though no longer used in that manner among psychological professionals, the concept crossed my mind as I thought about the topic of this post.   I thought of it as a play on words, but nevertheless, to drive home a point.

In an earlier post, I wrote about the importance of the rhythms of life.  The final point of that post was the importance of the "Rhythm of Rest and Self-Care."  As we consider the drive of living our purpose in life, one of the first considerations is not usually taking a rest.  Understandably, our drive and desire to live purposefully may also be a drive to think only of activity and neglect the balance that our lives need.  How may our development of a purposeful life be arrested if we neglect our rest?

• Physical decline - bodies require sufficient rest to refuel, restore and heal.  Neglect of rest will compromise our health.  If we are tempted to seek self-satisfaction, praise from others or even thinking that we are pleasing God, by relentlessly pushing the envelope of physical and mental functioning, we will eventually fail to be of usefulness to anyone.
• Mental confusion - our minds are effected by our physical condition.  A lack of rest causes foggy thinking.  If you've ever driven on a road trip when you are exhausted, you know how easy it is to become confused and even disoriented from fatigue.  If we are not at our best, with the rest our bodies need, we can't hope to do our best at fulfilling our purpose in life.
• Irritability - a child lets you know when she is tired...it is usually through being fussy or crying.  As adults, we tend to do the same thing, only in slightly different ways.  We become irritable, cranky...we can become unkind and often act in selfish ways.  Depriving ourselves of needed rest makes it difficult to manage our relationships, responsibilities and rationale in ways that reflect the heart of Christ.

Jesus gave us the example of a balanced life.  He was fully committed to His purpose...the most important mission in all the world.  He led a very busy life of ministry leading up to His ultimate sacrifice as Messiah.  Yet, he always made sure to find time for rest and for solitude.  When God set the example for us in His acts of creation, he established the Sabbath rest.  The regular rhythm of rest is what we need...God knows that.

And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the LORD, who had set them apart to be holy.
                                                                                 Ezekiel 20:12

And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
                                                                                 Mark 2:27

The Apostle Peter reminds us that a relationship with Jesus actually promotes rest...for the soul.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
                                                                        1 Peter 5:6-7

Jesus put it this way...

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
                                                                         Matthew 11:28-30

So...what does rest look like for you...daily rest, weekly rest, times of retreat and solitude?  These are all important in the rhythm of life.  Rest can include many things...each person is unique in how they find rest and refreshment.  Think about what it is that is life-giving for you.  What is it that, when you have engaged it, you emerge energized, fulfilled and prepared for the challenges of life?  Consider some suggestions:

• Time alone to read and meditate
• A walk in the forest
• Sitting on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves
• Exercising or a run
• Sleeping late or getting to bed early
• Listening to your favorite music
• Private worship
• Star gazing on a clear night
• Working on a craft or hobby
• A chat with a friend
• A morning swim
• A weekend at a cabin

Whatever fits you best, it should be something you plan into your life with intentionality...and it may be a combination of things.  Life has a way of taking over if we let it.  Even the work and purpose we love, if not in balance, can become the very thing that undermines our health and wellbeing.  It shouldn't be that way...it doesn't have to be that way.  I applaud churches and ministries who recognize this and build into the job description of their leaders, sabbaticals.  If you find it nearly impossible to take rest, ask yourself, "Why?"  Consider if you are trying to prove something...to yourself, to others...to God.  Remember, we are not in a performance-based relationship with our Redeemer.

Universal Elements of Rest
For the follower of Christ, there are some elements of rest that can be incorporated into any rest experience we find rejuvenating.  Consider how these fit your unique choices.

1. Reflection - thinking about life, our journey, our relationships, our connection with our God.  This may seem like a chore, but, in the rest environment, reflection can help us sort out the things that may steal our peace and rest.
2. Prayer - this seems to be cliché,  but it is anything but.  In our rest, we must commune with the One who gives us rest.  His "yoke is easy and His burden is light."
3. Solitude - not that all of our resting must be done in solitude, but, it is important that we allow ourselves to have such times in order to be able to incorporate items 1 and 2.  There is something good about being able to be alone in peace...and being alone in peace.
4. Nature - this one may be debatable, but I am a pretty firm believer in the power of connection with God's creation as a healing and refreshing experience.  If you can incorporate surrounding yourself with the beauty and sounds of creation, you will enhance your rest tremendously.

So, there you have it...my thoughts on the importance of incorporating rest into your life.  God, the Father, instructed it; Jesus, His Son, modeled it; and, through His Spirit, enables it.  Now, it is our responsibility to plan it.  If you do, you will find "a rested development" of a well-balanced life.

How do you find rest in the midst of the busyness of life?  What are your favorite modes of rest?  Have you experienced the negative effects of a lack of adequate rest?  If so, how did you deal with it?  Please share your thoughts in the comments.  Like and share the post on social media.  We really do want to have a conversation about living our purpose well...sharing your story may be just the thing someone else needs to hear.