Rest

I am just recovering from a horrible tummy bug.  I'm still trying to rebuild my strength.  I don't "bounce back" from things as quickly as I used to.

Over the years, when I've gone through hard things, I've learned to look for the good in the hard.  I try to find the blessings, the benefits in the hardness.  Granted, it's not always easy.....but I ask the Lord to help me.

January was a full, busy, intense month for me.  I was tired - which probably lowered my immunity even more than it already was from the cancer.  I'm still not sure how I caught the bug - I'm so very careful!  But it found its way to me.

As I looked for the good - I realized I was getting a lot of rest.  That's good!  I needed it.  Rest lets the mind reset and the body recover.  Life throws those unexpected things, like horrible  tummy bugs, our way.   When that happens we have to take extra care of ourselves.  We have to rest!

I changed my perspective.  Instead of being upset that I was so sick, I chose to receive the gift of rest that I think my body needed.  I shouldn't just rest when I'm drained down - I'm trying to make it more a part of my daily life.  Rest brings clarity, patience, and energy.  It helps us see things more clearly.  I am trying to learn to give myself rest when I need it. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me...and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28-30

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."  Jeremiah 6:16

"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  Exodus 33:14

"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him."  Psalm 62:1

Jesus took time away to rest.  He set the example for us!