Life Plan Devotion #23 [Rest]

Do you feel compelled to keep everything running smoothly and to solve everyone's problems? If so, then you are bound to overlook your own emotional, spiritual, and physical health, and you will be tempted to use unhealthy ways to escape or avoid. There must be a balance between doing and being. After all, we're human beings, not human doings.
While it may be uncomfortable, sometimes it's good to question one's own motives, to see what's behind what we're doing or not doing. The point is not to get down on oneself. The point is to gain feedback, for the purpose of making sure one's life is in balance, one's relationships are healthy, and one's needs are being met. Sometimes a most holy choice is to rest or play.

Mark 6:31-32 [NIV]
"Because so many people were coming and going that [the apostles] did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, 'Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." [Specific nouns inserted in brackets by author, for clarity.]

What this has to do with weight loss: When life gets too hectic, too stressful, you may find yourself in the kitchen, graze eating. It's not because you're hungry, but it's because your body is crying out for rest or energy. While food can give a boost in blood sugar, it's temporary. Perhaps a better choice is to go for a walk or take a nap. Learn to analyze what your body, mind, or spirit needs, and fulfill those needs in helpful, appropriate ways.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are moments on this journey when I realize that I've merely been doing and doing, going and going, and have ignored my needs or the needs of others. At other times, I realize that I've been trying to solve everyone's problems, when that's not my job. All of that gets me to the place where I make unhealthy choices, instead of asking myself what I need to do to get my life back in balance. I need Your help with this, Lord. Help me to know when I need to rest or when I need to play, and then help me to give myself permission to do so. I pray in the Name of Jesus who said, 'Come to a quiet place and rest.' Amen."

Go forth today, rested and ready for the day.