Seeking…and finding…rest
Where do you seek rest when you are exhausted? What do you do when you reach the end of your endurance? Do you have a plan when you need a temporary exit off the “fast train” of life?
Recently, I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. There are many reasons we attend conferences. Perhaps your work or church has recommended (or required) that you attend such an event as a relevant aspect of your growth and development in a particular area.
I’m an advocate of lifelong learning.
Learning new things keeps our brain sharp and provides other meaningful benefits for us. Typically, we go to conferences to learn, but these events are not often restful. (Of course, a vacation isn’t always restful either!)
My experience at Blue Ridge is always exhausting. But, somehow I receive rest and renewal, too. How can that be?
The location in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides an amazing setting for over 500 authors, teachers, and professionals from the publishing industry to gather for five days of intense learning.
Did I mention that my learning experience was intense?
There are early morning meetings, workshops and classes all day, and evening group sessions. Appointments are interspersed throughout the day where we hope to persuade agents and publishers to express an interest in our work.
WHEW! It is exhausting!
But, the experience at Blue Ridge is also renewing and, surprisingly restful as well.
That’s hard to believe with the intense schedule that we have. But, sometimes, just a change of environment can ease our tension. If we take a break from the rush (or from slow pace and boredom) of life, even periods of intensity can offer opportunities for rest.
Finding rest and renewal:
- Change of environment–This can be a simple matter of taking a walk in the woods, your neighborhood, or park; visiting a friend; taking a brief trip; or planning a short (but fun) activity.
- Change of pace–Depending on your current lifestyle, changing your pace can give you a mental and physical rest or stimulation. If life is going too fast, plan some quiet time or social time with a friend. If loneliness or boredom are issues, seek new outlets to meet people (church, recreation centers, Bible Study groups, a continuing education class, etc.)
- Check your social life–Are you spending time with family and friends?
- Check your alone time–If you are constantly around family, friends, or coworkers, you may need some quiet rest without others.
- Learn new things–Focusing on a new task or learning experience gives your brain a boost, provides opportunities for interactions with others, and can lift your self-esteem and confidence levels. Pick something you like or want to do.
- Help others–As time allows, reach out to others in need. Volunteer in the schools or at an agency that serves others.
Maintain your quiet time with God.
Our Lord will meet you wherever you are–in your quiet time or in the busy rush of life. God is always with you.
Where is your place of quiet rest and renewal?
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Well, this is the second post I’ve read about rest today. That usually means God is trying to tell me something. Whether I’m away (like at BRMCWC) or at home, I have a tendency to fill my days with busyness. I think God is calling me to a more consistent rest plan. Thanks for posting this, Katherine.
My life is much too busy as well, Joshua. And, like you, I have a hard time slowing down. I’m getting that same message to be more discerning about balancing work and rest. Praying that you and I can listen to our Father and implement that rest plan!
Excellent post, Katherine. We all need to renew and recharge from time to time. I love knowing that the Lord will meet me wherever I am. Have a great week!
Thank you, Jan. I agree–we are so blessed that God meets us wherever we are and no matter what shape we’re in! If we’re sad, depressed, discouraged, angry, or worried, God is there for us. Wishing you a wonderful week, as well. Happy writing!
I shared your post. Miss Katherine, meeting and visiting with you was one of the high points of my attending the Blue Ridge Christian Writer’s Conference. Reading your blog and reflecting back on the conference had me take Sunday as a day of rest instead of doing the normal routine with attendance at church and Bible study sandwiched into the day. Thank you for your wonderful witness through words.
Thank you, my friend! I enjoyed meeting you face-to-face at Blue Ridge. We’ve been writing friends for some time now and that makes the in-person meeting even more enjoyable. I’m glad you took a day off. I expect it was much needed after your extended trip. Wishing you times of rest and continued blessings on your writing journey.
Wonderful post, and great reminders, as always. My “quiet places” are my den before the sunrise, and then the hill facing east that overlooks the ranch. I know God is always nearby, but it’s these spots where I connect the most. It’s like my iPhone’s charge; they’re where I plug in to get recharged.
I’m like you, J.D. Nature’s beauty and serenity help me recharge. There’s something so glorious about a sunrise–the promise of a new day–a bright new day that is a fresh start (and we haven’t yet had a chance to mess up!) Wishing you an awesome day and prayers that you’ll get that hay cut and baled before the next rain.
My quiet place is my front porch swing, Katherine. Birds and squirrels join me at a distance, but otherwise, I’m alone with God. And, you’re right -I need that time to recharge with God when life gets too busy.
Your front porch sounds like a great place for quiet time and rest. There’s just something special about hearing the sounds of nature to bring us to that quiet communion with God. Wishing you a blessed week, my friend.
Beautiful post! I agree with everything you said about the Blue Ridge Conference. It is a paradox – exhausting and renewing at the same time. I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to meet this year. Maybe next time.
Another paradox is I find rest when I’m out moving in the natural world, whether it’s a walk on the beach or a hike to a mountaintop.
I’m sorry we missed seeing each other, but there were so many people at Blue Ridge! Hopefully we’ll meet in the future. I’m with you–I do my best thinking, praying, and problem solving when on a walk with nature. Perhaps that doesn’t fit the definition of restful, but don’t we feel better after! Wishing you a great week (with some opportunities for walking).
I tend to keep pushing, ignoring the rest I need. I appreciate your wise counsel. I find peace on my deck early in the morning, but also need restful times during the day. Perhaps your change of pace idea would help me. Thanks, Katherine.
Thank you for your encouragement, Jeannie. I think we’re kindred spirits–I also tend to push on through, even when exhausted. But, I’m trying! I do use my suggestions (wouldn’t be right if I didn’t practice what I recommend), but I’m not quite there yet. Thankful that God keeps working with us, even when we’re stubborn.
Thanks for writing this post, Katherine. The Lord has shown me the importance of slowing down to find rest. Recently, I’ve had to prioritize my schedule and let somethings go.
As a pastor, I have found that I need to balance my time alone with time spent with people. If I spend too much time, either way, I begin to feel drained. Again, thanks for writing this article.
Thank you, Kevin. I pray God will continue to bless you in your role as a pastor. I think that’s one of those 24/7 jobs, or rather a vocation. I’m sure it’s a challenge to balance everything, but you’re such a vital part of God’s work. Thank you!
Rest and renewal are by far the most underrated of all self-care. In a society that teaches us to go-go-go, resting is the furthest thing from our minds…but it’s also one of the most crucial things regarding our well-being and productivity.
Oh, I agree, Kelly! We are constantly pushed to succeed and over-achieve–to the point where we’re exhausted and burned out. I’m praying we can get that much needed rest and renewal.