Rest (Five Minute Friday)

I love these writing prompts, thanks to Lisa-Jo.  It's like what we did in my writing classes starting freshman year of college--receive a word or phrase or idea, and just write on it for a few minutes.

Today, I'm writing for five minutes on this word:

REST.

Image Credit:  Dr Joseph Valks on freedigitalphotos.net

Resting is somewhat of a paradox for me.  I feel like I'm rather a lazy person-- I tend to waste time doing unproductive things like Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook or browsing Pinterest.  But I have a hard time really resting-- doing nothing at all, or doing something calming and productive, like reading a good book.  (I'm trying to get back into that habit, and have picked up Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts again, with great blessings resulting.)

My husband kind of needs to help me rest.  He makes me stop doing the dishes, stop cleaning house, and sit down with him and talk.  Or watch a movie.  Or just take a nap.

The best rest is when we're snuggled in bed together, with an extra blanket over me (I'm always cold at night), holding each other tight.  I feel like the world is perfect at those times.  And I'm completely calm and relaxed.  Something about my husband calms me like nothing else ever has.

But the real rest I crave is that from Jesus.  Jesus, who said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

That's the kind of rest I want--the rest that comes from turning my worries and troubles and stresses over to Jesus.  And taking on my shoulders the peace that comes from knowing he is my Savior, that he loves me unconditionally, that I have nothing to do for my salvation because Jesus has taken care of it all.

And it's so restful to know that even when I don't use my time well, even if I have a hard time resting physically, Jesus is so willing and glad to take from me the burdens that cause me unrest--and give me a spiritual rest, which is more refreshing than any other.


Linking up here, with Lisa-Jo Baker.