Stop and Breathe – #119

Yet again my online workout instructor, Sydney Cummings Howdyshell, somehow spoke to my soul. She had done it before with her, “it’s not about perfection, it’s about persistence” comment, but this time hit me even harder. 

It was in a moment when I wanted to quit. My whole body was aching and shaking and sweating. All I wanted to do was say, “I’m done!” but she said, 

“If you’re tired, stop and breathe. Don’t stop and leave.”

She gave me permission to take a rest. 

She was speaking physically. My heart heard it spiritually. 

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As you all know, I keep a fast pace, but this spring was intense and I felt my tank running close to empty. Along with that, seasons of change were coming and still are coming, so even when my body was at rest, my mind continued. 

So when I heard Sydney say, “stop and breathe, don’t stop and leave,” my heart knew exactly what I needed.

My soul needed to breathe.

Rest. 

Can you relate? Are you running on empty? Does your mind constantly run? Do you feel a longing for rest?

As I’ve prayed about and processed all my feelings, I have three conclusions:

Rest is a command from God. 

Rest is a necessity for our bodies and minds. 

Rest is a choice. 

With all that said, I have chosen to take a rest from the blog this summer. I love writing, and pray that it has been a blessing to you. I have a couple of other writing projects that I am working on this summer, as well as new opportunities on the horizon, but for now I will rest from the blog. 

When my muscles were fatigued, I took Sydney’s advice. I stopped and breathed. And after a few moments, I was able to keep pushing forward towards strength. That is my plan for the fall. I will rest this summer and then take it back up this fall, ready to encourage and spur you on towards thriving spiritually. 

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Maybe you are feeling the same way. Your soul needs a rest. Is the Holy Spirit inviting you into rest this summer? 

Rest is a command, rest is a necessity, rest is a choice.

What will you choose?

Stop and breathe. 

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:2-3

God, you are our true rest. To you be the glory forever.

For further study, read Hebrews 4:1-13. 
Also, for anyone needing a plan for the summer, I am referring back to my “schedule” last summer, an easy approach to a restful and fun summer. I hope it is a blessing to you. And even though I am resting, please feel free to reach out by email (meredith.k.read@gmail.com). I’d love to hear from you, especially if you are joining me in a summer of rest!