That's what I've been trying to learn how to do...rest and relax. You'd think most of us would know how to relax but it's hard to make yourself completely rest when your brain fights every attempt you make towards relaxation. I honestly believe it is the plan of the devil to keep us stressed out so we cannot focus on the important things. But even God rested on the Sabbath so I know my fragile body and mind need a break. I've always heard you find out who you really are when you're under pressure. That's true. Its also true that you find out who you can quickly become if left to operate day after day without proper rest. You become a stranger to others and even to yourself. I know I have asked myself many times why I did such and such on a particular day or acted uncharacteristic towards friends and family.
I am currently encouraging myself to take time for me. I have to enjoy who I am before others can benefit. Whether it means I grab a chair and sit in the garage for 15 minutes alone or drive 30 minutes to sit on the beach and watch the sunset, it is my responsibility to give my mind and body its best medicine. And when I'm still, I hear the Lord's voice so much clearer. Does that happen for you too? Don't we all want to hear Him better? During the past several years with adding to our family, I had slowly forgotten about myself. And I woke up one morning asking "Who am I really?". I didn't have an answer and that scared me. Who did I want to be? That answer scared me even more. It showed me my own selfish ambitions. Am I just a wife and mother? Will I always be wife and mom? So what if I am just wife and mom? Is that such a bad thing? No I'm not hung up on titles and I've never been one to be impressed with others titles either so that's not what this is about. Its about taking the time to get familiar with ourselves again. Its about finding your true identity and never wondering about it again. Wife and Mom is the heart of where I thrive. Its my station that I am proud to oversee and protect. Most of this year has been used up by too much stress. I want to change that and I want those changes for you as well. So how can we experience freedom from stress? I believe truth is the beginning. When we allow truth to penetrate our hearts deep enough, it will enlighten us about the important things in our lives, the really important things. And I am finding that R&R are close to the top of the list for me. My relationships are not getting what they deserve when I am not at my best. Stress is a source of pain for too many families. I want us all to live free...able to examine ourselves, work out the kinks, and embrace the person God is creating within us. I feel a little back yard calling with a good book and a nice breeze. What about you? What's demanding your attention right now?
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