Refreshment: body and soul

In our fast-paced world filled with the constant hum of information flowing in and out, it is easy to get swept away in the rush of it all. Others are constantly demanding responses and action that we may or may not be ready to give. We’re pouring out ourselves and rarely finding, or making, the time to be filled. We tap into our reserves to find the strength to meet the needs of those around us. We resist stopping for our own needs for fear we drop an important ball, let someone down, miss an appointment, appear selfish. We stay in situations that are all demand and no give. We keep churning, paddling, trying, striving and wonder why, oh why, we don’t seem to be making progress. And if we keep at it long enough, we will find ourselves parched. Dry. Empty.

I’ve been through a thirsty season or two in my years on this planet. In fact, I’ve been through dry, parched seasons. I know what it’s like to lick sand hoping for water. I know what it’s like to feel completely drained and spent. And I know well, the hope of just trying harder, giving it one more shot, crawling one more foot in hopes of finding the well of refreshment desperately craved by my soul.

Can you relate? Are you burned out? Have you given your last ounce? I wonder if we are making our own desert by striving so hard. What if refreshment was right in arm’s reach? Imagine stopping right where you are and taking a long, cold, refreshing drink of water. Could you go another mile if someone offered you water today? Remember that soft drink ad The Pause that Refreshes? That ad may hold an important key.

Recently, I heard a sermon that was like ice, cold water on a hot summer day for my soul. I remember walking out of the church building feeling absolutely refreshed, nourished, calmed. Truth can be refreshing (even when it’s tough truth). As a child of God, the Holy Spirit within you will affirm truth and remind you that you don’t have to do so much. You can rest in God’s abundant and sufficient supply.

I am reminded of the burden of carrying a heavy load. Imagine yourself weighed down with your burdens, striving to make it one more step when someone comes along and shares the load or better yet, takes the entire load off of you. That’s what God says He does for us. He bears our burdens so we don’t have to. (And yet, we heap it all back on ourselves!)

Dear soul, you must find refreshment. You must sometimes pause. It’s o.k. The world doesn’t depend on you for it to stay in motion. I know it feels like it does. People will try to convince you it does. You cannot keep running on empty. You will not be able to maintain optimal performance without being properly fueled. You just can’t.

So, what’s the remedy? How do you find refreshment in a dry and weary land? My first and best answer is Jesus. He is Living Water. He carries our burdens. He cares for us.

Other Ways to Find Refreshment:

1.       Pause.  Find the time for reflection and rest.

2.       Take a class and learn something new. I know it sounds like one more thing, but it gives you so much!

 

3.       Start an exercise routine. Walking and yoga are both known stress-relievers and energy-givers.

4.       Eat for energy. Clean eating offers so much nutritional support for your body!

5.       Get on the GREEN SMOOTHIE bandwagon. There are some great recipes out there and you can tweak them to get the flavor you want.

6.       Try aromatherapy.

7.       Implement meditation/prayer. Research backs up the value of these practices.

8.     Make time to journal and organize your thoughts.

9.       Practice Thanksgiving. Intentional giving of thanks reminds you of the bounty you’ve been given. It’s a well right in the middle of the desert.

10.   Test drive a life coach. I know it seems self-serving since it’s my business, but seriously – life coaches partner with you and help you put things in perspective! Free consultations available.