Originally posted 2/15/2020
Over the last week and a half we have been in Indonesia for our first debrief. This is a time set aside to process our time in Australia and what God has been doing in and around us. This is also an intentional time of rest, which I'm learning is crucial to maintaining my health.
Before the Race I found it hard to take time to rest. It was normal for me to have a full time job and a part time job at the same time. My schedule was pretty full and I would quickly wear myself down. Then I would get sick, be forced to rest, then begin the cycle again once I got better. My balance of work and rest was nonexistent. So God sent me on the Race and now here I am learning about it.
I honestly thought rest meant taking a nap or going to bed earlier than usual. Or maybe just not hanging out with people for an evening. Those things aren't bad, in fact they can be part of resting. But God is teaching me that I need to rest in him. I'm learning to slow down, sit in silence, and allow him to meet me there. To clear out my cluttered thoughts and listen for His still small voice. Sometimes God wants to sit with me in the silence and just be together, and other times he reveals more of his character to me.
Rest can look like an afternoon of fellowship with other believers intentionally encouraging each other in our faith, a short hike through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall, or walking through a monkey forest and laughing at the crazy animals God created. It can also be taking a nap, enjoying some alone time, reading the bible, or worshipping. The goal is to commune with God and find joy and peace in him. And I can definitely say that I had never experienced as much peace, joy, or contentment as I am right now. I'm glad God is a patient teacher.
Over the last week and a half we have been in Indonesia for our first debrief. This is a time set aside to process our time in Australia and what God has been doing in and around us. This is also an intentional time of rest, which I'm learning is crucial to maintaining my health.
Before the Race I found it hard to take time to rest. It was normal for me to have a full time job and a part time job at the same time. My schedule was pretty full and I would quickly wear myself down. Then I would get sick, be forced to rest, then begin the cycle again once I got better. My balance of work and rest was nonexistent. So God sent me on the Race and now here I am learning about it.
I honestly thought rest meant taking a nap or going to bed earlier than usual. Or maybe just not hanging out with people for an evening. Those things aren't bad, in fact they can be part of resting. But God is teaching me that I need to rest in him. I'm learning to slow down, sit in silence, and allow him to meet me there. To clear out my cluttered thoughts and listen for His still small voice. Sometimes God wants to sit with me in the silence and just be together, and other times he reveals more of his character to me.
Rest can look like an afternoon of fellowship with other believers intentionally encouraging each other in our faith, a short hike through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall, or walking through a monkey forest and laughing at the crazy animals God created. It can also be taking a nap, enjoying some alone time, reading the bible, or worshipping. The goal is to commune with God and find joy and peace in him. And I can definitely say that I had never experienced as much peace, joy, or contentment as I am right now. I'm glad God is a patient teacher.
