Rest

There’s something about the holiday season full of excitement. The cool air brushes across your face as a reminder that the gift-giving season is indeed in effect. Have you ever felt an aggressive wind brush across your face and pull you in a million directions? If a videographer were to capture you in slow motion, your hair may glide in sexy motions (left, right, front, back) and give you your Beyonce cameo moment. Looks good right? But in reality, without the effects, it’s a hot mess.

Let this serve as a visual reminder of the importance to value rest in this season. It’s interesting how each year, I am already in December, celebrating and embracing Christmas around the time that October dwindles down. And this is only for decor. Honestly, I’m already there in my mind around May, maybe February? (smiles). Anyone who knows me understands how much I love Christmas. But if there is anything God has taught me in 2020, it has been the importance of making room for priorities and cherishing each given moment in a day. My reminded priorities? God, my devotion time and rest. Just as fast as the back-to-back holiday commercials pressure you into the rush of planning and spending, press pause and leave room to take in a deep breath. Joyce Meyer said it best, “the best gift you can give anyone is a healthy you.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

When I think about the love God has given me (sigh), it’s really unconditional. It’s gentle. It’s affirming. He values me and He most certainly values you. If we have be given instruction to love others as yourself, how important is self-care in the confines of biblical context? Loving yourself as described in scripture is obedience to His word. It’s proper stewardship of your time. Jesus was our greatest example. The scriptures speak more than his ministry by words, but by his action. Jesus found solitary moments of rest be it sleeping and through prayer. This holiday season, I have found my rest and it was so needed. Have you found yours? Rest is essential to be fruitful in the purpose of your life. It’s proper stewardship. Even God rested on the 7th day with all of his creation.

In this season of rest, I got engaged to the love of my life and received an offer to transition my career into the field I adore, amongst a list of other personal details between my heavenly Father and I. Tell me God won’t provide in the middle of chaos. My greatest gift received is the gift of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior… the gift that keeps on giving. I encourage you to invite him into your heart and find your rest. Sweet dreams sleeping beauty. May you be well-rested and equipped to carry out your purpose in the unique way that He intended for your life. And when you rise from your rest, may you offer the world the very best version of yourself.