Rest

I told you last week that one of my goals for the new year was to simplify life a bit. To not fill every single moment to the brim. To be okay with blank lines in the day planner. To make life a bit easier.

We're a week in now, and while I would have to say this week was far from normal in terms of busyness and appointments, it was indeed filled with rest.

On one hand, I'd forgotten how much I loved to rest. I'd forgotten the beauty of a quick {or not so quick} nap after work. I'd forgotten the thrill of going to bed early just because it's warm and cozy and I can. I'd forgotten what it's like to sit and read a book for fun. A whole book. With no deadline. I'd forgotten what it was like to finish {or start, for that matter} a scrapbook. I'd forgotten what it was like to watch TV without guilt. I'd forgotten what it was like to pop up and make a batch of cookies just for funsies. 

On the other hand, I'd forgotten how terrible I am at resting. Last night, for example, I rested so well...and then realized I hadn't thrown in that one load of laundry. I hadn't whipped up the new batch of protein muffins. I hadn't had my quiet time. And suddenly, it was 9:00, I wanted to watch Fixer Upper {because, HELLO!!!} and suddenly I regretted all kinds of resting. I flew around the house, kinda grumpy, and not really a picture of rest.

It's a learning process. The embracing of the rest. The permission to rest and the push to be at least a tiny bit productive. And believe me. It was only a tiny bit of productivity last night! :)

Here's another crazy thing.

We also haven't exercised in the past week. Between struggling to breathe through the cold I had, our gym being closed for Christmas break, and the frigid temps pushing outdoor workouts entirely out of the question...we just didn't get any exercise. I bring that up because I have to say despite the lack of exercise, I feel better than I have some weeks when I've knocked exercise out of the park. My body needed the rest more than it needed the exercise, in this case. And it finally had a chance after weeks of running from one thing to the next.

I'm not naive. I know the waves of busyness will hit again. I know the gym will open and our nights will run late again. I know events will pick up at work, and I'll be gone some nights. I know all the things that demand my time and attention haven't gone away entirely. I'll still have to make time for those things because they are part of life. I'll have to continue to learn the push and pull of productivity and permission to rest.

But oh, how thankful I am for this week of rest. I'm thankful for the reminder of what I need in my life and why it's so important. I'm thankful for teamwork with Ryan and the chance for both of us to get rest by alternating the workload.

I don't know if rest was on your must-do-list this year, but even if it's not quite as purposeful for you as it is for us, can I encourage you to try some extra rest? I have a feeling you'll thank yourself!!