A Day of Rest

Tuesday morning, after I delayed my book launch, I found myself in a state of funk. After preparing for months, I felt like a deflated balloon. I remember spending most of my afternoon, walking around the house, almost in fog with zero drive to do anything. That evening, as I began getting ready for my Bible study class, I told Joe that I was considering not going. My co-leader was teaching that night, so technically I was not needed.  Thankfully , Joe convinced me to go and even though I was not teaching, I had a lot to offer during our discussions which helped to brighten my mood.

Regrettably, upon waking the following day, I found myself in the same state of melancholy. This lasted for a period of almost three days. Anything and everything was affecting me in a negative manner causing a somewhat depressed mood. Joe, noticing the spiral that I was heading towards, did everything to help elevate my mood.

On the third day, Joe suggested we do something different – something that would help me break free from the chains of my sadness. So, we decided to take our first walk through the neighborhood. It was a beautiful spring evening and the sun was just beginning to set. The sky was already showing shades of pink and I just knew that it was going to be a beautiful sunset.

As we walked down each street, I enjoyed looking at the different homes with their trees and flowers now in full bloom. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of nature. Along the way, we stopped to chat with various neighbors. The vibrant colors, tranquil environment, and fellowship were a perfect antidote to my gloomy mood.

The next morning, I arose early and headed out for another walk through the neighborhood. As I stepped out the door, the sun was just beginning to rise. The air was crisp and the freshly cut lawns had a blanket of dew on them. As I walked, I listened to the sound of the birds as their sweet songs filled the air. Once I arrived back home, I paused at the door. I envisioned the checklist of all the things that I wanted to get done which included more unpacking of boxes. I knew that these things needed to get done, but something was tugging at me to stay outside.

I quickly went inside, grabbed the dogs and headed back outside. Once the dogs were fed and settled in the backyard, I walked over to the shed and grabbed my gardening tools. I headed over to one of our flower beds that had snowbells blooming and began removing the weeds that were surrounding them. I spent hours outside in our different garden beds, weeding and planting. While it was hard work, I felt more relaxed than I had been in a long time.

That evening, Joe suggested that instead of going for another walk, we should take the kayaks out onto the lake, and so we did. As Joe fished, I paddled around the lake, finding amusement in my surroundings. The carp were splashing as they swam to the surface to grab a bite to eat, which caused me to jump and squeal in delight. The turtles popped their heads out of the water for a bit of fresh air, and the dragonflies buzzed around, occasionally landing on the kayak. It was as if all of nature came out to see me, letting me know that they were glad that I was here.

Gazing up at the cornflower blue sky, I watched as the few clouds passed by. I closed my eyes, and I embraced the warmth of the sun on my face. Everything was so calm and peaceful. Glancing over at Joe, as he was fishing, my heart began to swell. Joe’s unwavering support and the peacefulness of the day gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

I realized that taking a break from everything on my “To do” list and allowing myself to rest was not a sign of weakness, but an essential part of maintaining my mental health. By the end of the day, I felt rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. As the sun began to set, I paddled back to our dock. I felt a sense of gratitude for the simple yet profound day that I had experienced. It reminded me that sometimes, the best way to heal is to reconnect with God through nature and the people who care about us.

Standing on the dock, I glanced back out over the lake and was reminded of what David wrote in Psalm 23:2-3, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…” Immediately, I felt God’s love for me. He knew exactly what my soul needed and made a way for it to happen. My day of rest taught me the importance of self-care and the power of God’s love in overcoming life’s obstacles.

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed and deflated that you lost all motivation? What did you do to overcome it? How do you practice self-care amidst your busy schedule? What activities help you relax and recharge? Reflecting on Psalm 23:2-3, how do you relate to the idea of being led beside still waters and having your soul restored? Please share in the comments.