Rest is non-negotiable

14 Dec Rest is non-negotiable

Read Matthew 11:25-30
Thought for the Day: Rest isn’t optional!

When I turned 50, I started running again after an 18-year break. I didn’t just want to train for a race and then never run again. Instead, I wanted running to become a new way of life. I took the steps to make sure I would be successful by getting fitted for proper shoes at our local running store, evaluating my diet, and hiring a running coach.

Before I met with my new coach, I assumed he would stress the importance of speed days and challenging endurance runs. Instead, when we talked, he had one main piece of advice for me if I was going to let him coach me. He put it this way, “Rest is the only non-negotiable!” Is it any wonder that the Apostle Paul used running as a metaphor for faith? Running has many parallels to following Jesus. Both require consistency, discipline, and humility. Also, rest is essential. As Jesus put it, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

Rest is essential if we are going to live by faith. Instead of thinking we always need to do more, rest reminds us to trust God as we grow in our faith. For runners, rest means we give our bodies an opportunity to recover from the stress that running puts on our muscles, tendons, and bones. As Christians, rest means we allow God to help our souls recover from the stress of everyday living. Rest is different for each one of us. It is a time to pray, but it also can be taking a walk, reading a book, spending time with our loved ones, or going fishing. As we end 2021 and look forward to 2022, let’s remember that rest is non-negotiable!

In Christ,
Pastor Stan (and David)