Daenne's Journal Fam,
I hope that you had an opportunity to really reflect on this year. If you didn't, it is not too late. Reviewing what happened can be a great way to learn how to move forward in the new year. Don't miss the opportunity. As for me, this is what I learned in 2019: Rest is IMPORTANT!
For the past 5 months, I've been running with a no days off schedule. I am serious, no DAYS OFF! ZERO DAYS OFF!
I've been busy in my life before, but I don't think I've ever had it like that. Not too long ago I read a presentation, and it says "busy is now a badge of honor". Think about it. It sounds good to say that we are busy. It makes us feel good to tell others that we don't have the time because we are so "busy". That is the modern-day badge of honor. But, no matter how busy we get, we must rest. I had to learn it the hard way.
It all started with a simple cold. I had a cold; I drank some tea (typical Haitian) and went about my business. It didn't go away. I was part of planning an event, and of course I would not just not participate. I wanted to be part of it so badly, but my friends were gracious enough to lovingly tell me to take a step back. I still did not rest, I went to work as if nothing happened. I started to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Guess what? I still went to work and school.
It got to a point where I could not really stay at work, so I decided to take a trip to the Urgent Care about 2 weeks later. I was ordered BED REST because it was more than just a cold.
I have to say in the beginning I was like "what is bed rest"? My friends made fun of me and say bed rest means resting in bed.
Guess what I did? I started to work on my business. I was like If I'm in bed I might as well work on some other things. What I did not realize was that I was not helping myself. Instead of getting better, I got worse. Instead of missing 2 days of work, I missed way more.
Genesis 2:3 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all is work.
God rested! GOD RESTED! If I want to be Christ-like, I cannot miss that big part.
Before this experience, I used to confuse "self-care/ me day" with rest. I try to have "me day" at least biweekly. But, that doesn't mean I rest. If you don't rest during your self-care day, you still need a day to rest apart from self-care. My "me day" consists of getting my nails done, doing my hair, going shopping, or simply going a few hours without a phone. Don't get me wrong, these are good things, but your mind and body really need rest. At least one day during the week, you should sleep in or go to bed earlier and have a few hours to yourself. We all need that. We all need a day of rest from WORK. I know, you may think what you are doing won't be done if you don't do it. I used to think like that. But, I quickly learned that my job would find a replacement if I couldn't make it and the office stayed open while I was at the hospital. Just because the work will not be done as efficiently as you would do it, doesn't mean it won't get done. SO REST!
If you worry about your business, you also need rest to keep it moving.
If it is your family, not resting is not beneficial to them in the long run.
Whatever it is that keeps you from resting, one way or another will be better if you rest or worse if you don't.
Another thing I realized during this bed rest was how God has blessed me with solid loving relationships. I can list material blessings, but none of them can really make up for these amazing individuals that God had blessed me with.
While I was sick, the first day a friend came over made me tea, washed the dishes, and cleaned my room. The next day, one brought me lunch and another brought me dinner. Another one came and did the laundry with me. Another made me some homemade remedy. Many texted and called to remind me that they were praying for me. It is almost like they were following the same schedule to check on me. I did not go a day without food. I could not drive, yet someone was there to drive me. My top love language is an act of service, and I felt loved by all these amazing people.
When I really look at everything that happened in 2019, those friends are the highlight of my year. I remember praying to God for good friends, and He has answered.
If you don't have anyone like this in your life currently, I suggest you start being that friend to others in 2020 without expecting anything in return. The same person you serve probably won't be the person that serves you. I am telling you from experience. But, Serve wholeheartedly. Serve your friends and let God take care of you.
I could not end the year without thanking you my faithful reader!
Thank you for your support to Daenne's Journal. It is my prayer that God uses these articles to bless you.
As you go into 2020, if you do not have a day to rest, I urge you my dear friend to look at your schedule, reestablish your priorities to have a day to rest. I do not want the same thing that happened to me to happen to you. Remember that your body will make you rest if you don't do it willingly!
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Xoxo,
DD
Jomy, Thank you so much for this. We are indeed called to be Faithful to God's work.
This article was amazing! It reminded me of a speech I heard that spoke about how the modern person makes efficiency their god. We worry about how much we can get done and how fast we can get it done. But that’s not Godly in any way, shape, or form. We’re called to be faithful to God’s work, and to rest faithfully. Thank you for this reminder!!