Rest...it must be important because even God chose rest after He created.
"And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done,
and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done."
In our family, the little people still take naps. We've always valued nap time and as our family has grown both in size, but also in age span, we still continue this practice of rest most days. When the little ones go down, the older kids (and Mom and Dad) also rest, but in other ways. They might read a book or play an instrument or a board game together. I might retreat with my Bible or to pray. The kids might write a letter or a list, make a quiet tea party, or just think or pray somewhere breezy and solitary. When Brodie is home, he and I almost always come together for a time of conversation either in our rocking chairs out front or hand in hand strolling around the property. It's a time for us to intentionally reconnect and just...be. I love this quiet part of our days and wait for it expectantly.
"And [Jesus] said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.'"
Mark 6:31
It's a slow pace we keep, with Quantity Time here at home, a decided way to keep rhythm. And routine that includes ebb and flow allows for our days to foster security in relationships, an endeavor that midday rest encourages. How we cherish these days.
Jesus calls us to rest in Him both spiritually, but also physically and it seems that when we do,
we have so much more to give on both fronts...a good reason to savor and guard midday rest.
"I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:14
Exodus 33:14
