Last week I had the pleasure of an extended visit with cousins. We enjoyed sweet days of fellowship together, a refreshing time of reminiscence and reset.
Taking time to refresh mentally, physically, and spiritually involves intentionality. If we don’t plan for times of refreshment, our busy lives take over, leaving us parched and exhausted.
Taking time to refresh mentally, physically, and spiritually involves intentionality.
Following are thoughts on times of refreshing:
Reminiscence
One of the joys of my visit was reminiscing. The nostalgia of stories, photos, songs, and a shared heritage sent us spiraling back in time to childhood and beyond. We sang retro songs, laughed, cried, counted blessings, and remembered, but we also looked ahead. We recounted sustaining forward motion in times of hardship, fear, and uncertainty, but followed with remembering God’s plan and provision for our lives.
Relaxation
Lazy mornings, lingering over lunch, and hours in the pool provided much-needed relaxation. We were entertained by a little dog, who is sure he is more human than we are, and is the king of the castle.
Many find relaxation hard because they are so primed for constant activity, but relaxing is not synonymous with laziness. Relaxation allows us to clear our minds, recharge physically, and take full advantage of respite.
Rest
While away from home, I basked in an empty calendar and the absence of reminders popping up on my phone. I reveled in unscheduled, and slept far later than usual, with no guilt.
The power of rest is underrated in our culture. The world teaches those who rest fall behind, but the benefits of rest, instead, spur forward motion.
Reboot
One of the most enjoyable parts of the visit was faith conversations. Spiritually, we are standing on the shoulders of a faith heritage that goes back generations. Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents set a godly example that shaped us into the people we are today. We share a history of God’s faithfulness and blessings.
When a computer reboots, it powers down, and then fires up again. It is the same for us. Before we can reignite, we must power down, rest physically and mentally, and recharge spiritually.
All of us need a spiritual reboot occasionally. And for those who were not blessed with a faith heritage or longstanding relationship with God, now is the time to consider seeking God with all your heart. He is Creator, Sustainer, Helper, Advocate, Protector, and Giver of refreshment, courage, strength, and peace.
“Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19 TLB).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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