Rest isn’t about just parking yourself somewhere; it’s about deliberately refueling your body, spirit, and mind. Too often, we mistake vacations for true rest, only to return just as exhausted as when we left. Why? Because true rest requires more than just a break—it demands intentionality.
For years, I was stuck in a constant rush, filled with long hours at work and frequent business trips. I barely had time to breathe, let alone connect with God. Even when I took time off, I returned just as tired. It dawned on me that simply taking a break wasn’t enough. Like a car running out of gas, leaving it parked by the roadside doesn’t refuel it. The only way to fill up a tank is to take it to the gas station and refuel it.
Many people take time off, planning to rest, but just park themselves on the beach, hoping it works. Rest isn’t just stopping; it’s about refilling! To truly recharge, we must be intentional about rejuvenating our body, mind, and spirit.
Physical Refreshment
Resting doesn’t mean abandoning self-care. True rest includes fueling your body with nourishing foods, moving it through exercise, and ensuring you get quality sleep. Intentional movement, whether through a walk in nature, yoga, or even stretching, can restore energy and balance. Pairing this with wholesome nutrition ensures that your body is properly restored, ready to sustain you when you return to daily life.
Spiritual Strengthening
A vacation without spiritual renewal is incomplete. When we prioritize prayer, worship, and time in the Word, we receive a kind of rest that no amount of lounging can provide. Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). In the same way, we must create space to reconnect with God, allowing Him to replenish our souls.
Mental Rest and Reflection
Busyness clutters the mind, and without stillness, we struggle to process our thoughts, emotions, and purpose. Taking time to reflect—whether through journaling, meditating on scripture, or simply sitting in silence—allows us to declutter our minds. It’s in these moments of stillness that we gain clarity, wisdom, and renewed vision.
When I took time to truly recharge—physically, spiritually, and emotionally—I experienced deep rest for the first time. That’s when God inspired me to create Eden Retreats, a space for others to find the same rejuvenation! Eden Retreats is not just about getting away; it’s about being filled again in a way that allows you to return home refreshed and renewed..
So, if you’re feeling drained, consider this: don’t just take a vacation. Take a retreat. Be intentional about your rest—physically, spiritually, and mentally. When you do, you’ll experience a kind of renewal that goes far beyond a temporary escape. You’ll return home truly restored, ready to embrace life with newfound strength and joy.
