I have made it to half term and I am so overjoyed at the thought of having rest! I have no big plans this week other than to rest up and refuel my body with much needed sleep.
I have been so tired these last few weeks of term (I am a teacher) and it has begun to take its toll on me. I don’t know about you but when I start to get fatigued I notice that my ability to multi-task gets seriously compromised and I feel like I’m not doing anything well. I start to get irritable and weepy (maybe that’s not so much an indicator because I’m always pretty weepy!) and intolerant of noise and fuss, which makes being in the classroom super tricky!
I have had a really busy year so far, even though I have tried to be mindful of not over filling my diary. The weekends are super precious and time I spend with The Lovely Mr B and my kids, when they are around!
Saturdays have become ‘Date Day’ (our kids are older and we can go out by ourselves for the day without getting sitters, hence date day) and usually spend the day mooching around Shoreditch and our beloved Brick Lane. There is an energy around there that we both find refreshing and the busyness washes over us and we get to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells.
We indulge our united love of plastic jewellery and vinyl shopping and you can get a great brew and a bun too! The street art (graffiti) is amazing and I am always posting photos on Insta (sarahmambogirl) because it’s so inspiring. I love the fact that it’s not permanent and when you come back the next week something else may have replaced it.
I am trying to practise the art of ‘resting well’; no seriously it’s a thing. I have learnt that the day after term finishes I need a recuperative rest day to catch up on sleep and then I’m ok to be around again. Without rest our bodies become sick and we can start to feel low and overwhelmed, where we are normally fully able to cope. We need to be self-aware and instead of treating the symptoms of tiredness we need to tackle the root cause which is rest. Learning what your symptoms of tiredness look like and what your body needs in the way of rest is so helpful so you can actively plan it in.
I have noticed that as soon as I get into a place of rest I start to hear from God more clearly and easily and ideas for writing start to flow. When I stop and listen He is talking and He has so much to say. I can literally feel my energy reserves start to replenish and creativity starts to bubble up in me.
No wonder that God planned rest from the very start when He created the Earth knowing that the world would become so fast paced and that people would not stop and take rest, afraid that they might miss out on something!
Gen 2:3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
Thankfully He gave a solution to the business of life;
Matt 11: 28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I love this scripture and I love the way Will Reagan and United Pursuit have turned it into the most beautiful worship song. Sit back or lie down and let it wash over you and soak into your very being. It’s the truth right there. ‘Take a Moment‘.
Remember rest is best!
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