Taking Breaks for True Rest – Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden…find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Struggling this afternoon after a great start and morning with a wonderful time with the Lord, working out with my circuit training video, and posting a new devotional to the website. No time for a break, I must press on.

Sometimes, taking a break is necessary, but too often I attempt to press past the need thinking that pushing myself is better. However, while backpacking, I learned – the hard way – the difference between simply stopping and truly resting.

At first, when we would stop for a break, when my husband would insist that I take off my pack and lay it down, I resisted, insisting that it was too much work to take it off and then put it back on. Yet, he was the experienced backpacker!

We took fifteen minute breaks every couple of hours on the trail, especially following grueling climbs. So, I would lean against a large rock or balance on a log with my pack strapped to my back. When we resumed the hike, my feet felt like a ton of bricks. It seemed to me by removing my pack wasted time, but after several of his gentle insistences, I heeded his advice.

Wow! It made a huge difference. In just those few minutes of relief from the burden on my shoulders, a few handfuls of GORP, and a good amount of water, I was felt the spring in my step return.

Remembering this experience and what it taught me, will be of great value as well on this journey. I may need a break to rest and recover. Leaning to take breaks by laying down my burdens, refreshing my soul with true rest, will put a spring back in my step to press onward.

Tomorrow is another new day.