peggywritesblog

Take Time to Rest

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. Matthew 11:28-29 ESV

One of my peaceful, restful places. I feel like Jesus is close in creation.

Life is busy. I feel like that just kind of says it all. No matter what stage of life you are in, it is busy. Get the kids up and ready for school, pack lunches, get to work yourself or start on your to do list. I am a list maker and even looking at everything on the list makes me tired! Most days are full and there doesn’t seem to be any time to rest, to just sit for a few minutes.

Jesus offers us a solution to our busyness. He beckons us to come to Him. “All who labor and are heavy laden” are invited to rest in His presence where we “find rest for our souls.” Jesus asks us to learn from Him. Jesus often found time to get away from the crowds to spend some down time talking with God or going off with His disciples.

We need the same, down time, rest. First, choose a quiet, alone place. When my kids were young, it was the laundry room or the bathroom! I’d tell them where I was, close the door, and have a few minutes alone. Asking God for strength and patience. Now, my favorite place is outside in God’s beautiful creation. Sounds of birds and breezes, water flowing and blooming flowers, and warm sunshine with cool water to dip my feet in. Then…true rest, not thinking about all that has to be done, but enjoying the moments, just resting with the Lord.

There will always be things to do, lists to cross off, appointments and meetings to attend, family to take care of, and chores, oh so many. So, this week, and every week, take time to find your quiet alone place, wherever that might be. Take time to soak in the peace. Listen to the sounds around you. Bask in the presence of Jesus. And find rest for your soul. Slow down, unwind, relax, and refresh.

I thank God for each of you and I thank you for joining me this week as we take time to rest with Jesus.

Blessings, peace, and rest as we accept Jesus’ offer to rest with Him!

8 comments

  1. You are so right my friend. Sometimes we just need to be still and know that He is God. We are not eveready bunnies and we need to stop and plug in to the Holy Spirit so that Father can renew our strength like the eagle. Always a blessing to read your posts—Such an encourager. You be and stay encouraged in the Lord. Blessings and Peace always!

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  2. Important, relevant post. Peggy. The entire concept of being in the present lends itself to this. If we’re busy, we’re worrying about what needs to be done in the future and what we forgot to do/neglected to do in the past, and it’s hectic, chaotic and frustrating. Yet, when we choose to be still and focus on the present moment, those worries hold less weight, and we can find a bit of serenity, an oasis in our busy lives. Easier said than done, o’ course, but practice helps. I agree with you about nature. It was always my resting place, my safe place. The photo you’ve included here is gorgeous and looks like an ideal place to hit the pause button for a while. 

    Wonderful, meaningful writing as always, my friend. 😊🙏

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    • Thank you so much, Mike, for your kindness and support and encouragement! It keeps me writing! The photo is one of my favorite places, our pond. The dogs swim and there’s a small rock dock perfect for sitting on and dangling your feet in the cool water. Resting is easy here with God’s creation all around. Again, thank you, my friend! Blessings!

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  3. this is a very important aspect of my day..well several moments actually. But the first us usually around 230 in the morning, where my waking thoughts is to find my creator. Reset. Be grateful for the day. I find time alone with God to be so vital to my peace and productivity. Life can be so hectic, and it’s easy to lose oneself in the chaos. Placing God first keeps me centered.

    A very timely reminder, Peggy.

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