Rest Is A Gift - The One Year Daily Acts of Gratitude Devotional

Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.

The house was still. Blissfully, notably silent. Taking stock of the quiet room, I debated what to do. My husband and children had just left for ice-skating lessons at a local arena, and I had ninety minutes to myself.

I was tempted to rest and read a book but couldn’t help noticing the cluttered countertops and dusty floor. I should clean, I told myself with a sigh. Immediately, I started putting things to rights. But then I was caught by the thought—Is this the most important thing to do right now?

Why did choosing to rest and enjoy my rare time alone feel wasteful?

Sure, I could spend my solitude checking tasks off my to-do list. It’s essential to care for our belongings, and a clean environment is healthy for all. But order in the physical world shouldn’t come at the expense of our mental, spiritual, or emotional health. And sometimes, rest is the better choice.

Mind made up, I set down the duster and put up my feet. I added some new songs to a playlist. I requested a few more books for my queue at the library. In the time I had left before my kids spilled through the door, I enjoyed activities that weren’t technically “important,” yet they were investments in future joy, future times of rest.

Instead of feeling lazy, I reminded myself that rest is a gift. Looking anew at my peaceful house, I felt profoundly grateful for the chance to catch my breath. We don’t need to work from sunup to sundown to earn God’s love. Our achievements don’t determine our worth. As my time of solitude neared its end, I spent a few moments in prayer, thanking God for the gift of a quiet home and time to rest from my work.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Find a pocket of time when you can rest. Choose an activity that renews your mind or spirit or otherwise adds to future joy.