Getting to a place of physical rest takes more than a few steps.
1. 
Turn off the TV.
2. 
Take bedtime medicine . . . which amounts to more than 3 pills.
3. 
The next thing to get me closer to rest is brushing my teeth and washing my face.
4. 
Journaling comes next—be it Psalms and Anti-Psalms or just prayers—writing is almost the last thing I do before . . .
5.
After a switch off the light, I’m usually asleep within a few minutes.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
This however is the destroyer of my physical rest . . .
Lately it seems I can’t get enough physical rest. I have to keep reminding myself that healing is hard work. Even though I’m getting stronger, my body is still regenerating. I’m still fighting swelling. I’m still not 100%. It’s hard to extend grace to myself. I rest on the weekend, but by Wednesday I’m done in. I want to know when this will end. I want to know when I’ll be rested enough to get through a week. Thankfully, I can trust the one who knows and the one who sustains me.
Today I’ve joined the Faith Barista’s Faith Jam. Every week Bonnie’s asking other bloggers to “jam like musicians” on a faith and life related topic. This is my riff on “The Journey to Physical Rest.” I’d love to read your thoughts on the topic. Please leave a comment or a link to your blog if you’ve jammed on this. And if you haven’t blogged on it, please leave some of your thoughts in the comment section below. If you’re interested in seeing what others had to say, please follow the link over to the Faith Barista site.
Remote control, Pills and Bottle photo courtesy of Lusi; cup and tooth brush photo courtesy of wax 115; Notepaper and Bible photo courtesy of ba1969; light switch photo courtesy of wenzday 01; alarm clock courtesy of hisks.
8 responses to “Getting There”
Rest is a process — and a need. I haven’t set an alarm clock in more than three years — some internal clock will wake me up around 5 a.m. Which is usually OK, fice days a week. But not Saturdays!
Good post.
I know more than ever that I need all the different kinds of rest that I can find—body, soul, and mind. It is a process to get there. I’m still discovering it. I’m always impressed by people with internal clocks. My nephew says, “I just set my mind to get up at 6 on Saturday and I do. I don’t set it on school days.” Pretty impressive for a 6 year old! If I didn’t set a clock, I’d sleep for 9 – 13 hours depending on the day.
You are a bit of fresh air to me! Yes, I do the necessary things to get my rest. And sometimes it’s OK but many times as I get older, it’s not enough. There’s something that’s so satisfying to spend quality time with the Lord that provides my soul with rest. I like you! 🙂
Thanks, Debbie—that just kind of made my day. I like you, too. 😀 I know spending time with the Lord is good prep for resting. It helps me still my mind and listen to him.
I have a routine also…. it helps me some, but I still wake up often in the middle of the night because the last six months of waking up to go get my husband from work when he has had an afib event… my body is “use” to waking up in the middle of the night now. Thank you for your kind words on my site and the reminder from what you posted for resting….
Katie, this is about the only thing I have a regular routine for—besides filling my coffee cup in the AM. I’m sure getting accustomed to something like getting up in the middle of the night helps, but I’m sure it still takes it out of you. You’re very welcome. I’m glad we’ve connected at the Jam.
Hi Sheryl, I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. I was there, for three years (not to discourage you!). Every day, I would wonder, is today the day things will turn around. It is a hard journey. Seek out people who can refresh you and can understand you without trying to fix you. I hope our community is one of those places. On a practical note, one day, I did wake up — and I did feel better. Healing is a processs, but the turning point will suddenly show up, just as out of the blue as the injury came. I know it doesn’t help much to say it’s uncertain, but at least you know that it will come, friend.I wish you were nearby. I’d come over and bring something yummy to share and laugh a lot! 🙂
Such encouragement, Bonnie! Thank you. It’s good to hear from someone who has gone before and knows what it’s like. The Faith Jam community is so encouraging. I love the slivers of knowledge and depth I get while interacting with everyone. It’s a blessing–without a doubt. And if you were nearby, I’d throw the door open and let you into my mess in a heartbeat. 🙂