Comfort: Rest is a Gift

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.” –Psalm 91:4

“It’s pretty pathetic when a day off for the colonoscopy prep and procedure feels like a vacation,” I nervously joked with three people surrounding my gurney as we waited for the doctor to arrive. Shivering and self conscious in the thin cotton gown, the nurse offered me a heated blanket. “Wow, this just turned into a spa day,” I commented with a smile. “And I’m about to have a great sleep, right?”

Around the internet I’ve seen the quip: If you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.

It’s unpopular to take space for rest in a culture that values productivity. It’s difficult to prioritize rest when there are never ending demands and things to do. And yet, we are (ultimately) the only ones who can prioritize our own health and wellbeing. If we are not well, we cannot fulfill the commitments we’ve made. 

Our God’s design need for rest is a gift. How are you receiving that today? 

May I see both the gifts and imposition of limits, space and rest as a gift from you. Amen.