I did not feel tired. I was busy. There was a lot going on, but I thought I was fine.
Then, last week, Sara and I rented a cabin by a lake, and I spent most of the first two days doing nothing. As soon as I stopped doing a bunch of stuff, I realized how worn out I was feeling.
Many people live this way. They fill every moment with activity and run from one event or task to the next. Oddly, that pace can be maintained as long as you do not slow down. If you keep piling things on your “to do” list, then you never really realize how tired you are becoming.
There are other signs though. As people begin to wear out, the first thing to go is their attitude. We become easily irritated. Little things cause us to lose our temper.
We have no patience with anyone, even those we love the most. Small tasks and minor demands on our time seem like huge inconveniences. Any of those responses is a sign that you are overworking or over-stressing yourself.
While we have been trained to think in terms of being productive and getting things done, it is good to remember the value of rest. Rest is not just doing nothing. Rather, it is a key component in doing all your other tasks well.
On the seventh day of creation, God rested from all his work (Genesis 2:2). God commanded that his people observe a weekly day of rest called the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10). Even Jesus took time to be alone and he did not heal everyone that needed healing (Mark 1:35-39).
You cannot keep going and serving without looking after yourself. My favourite analogy here comes from the safety instructions on airplanes; if the cabin depressurizes, put your oxygen mask on first and then help others. If you pass out from lack of oxygen, you are no good to anyone.
The good news is that you do not need to wait until your next vacation to slow down. You can find something to be joyful about today. You can give yourself a break. Rest is essential, not optional.
“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let’s rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
