Saturday, March 14, 2009

Rest is a Weapon

My husband always says that rest is a weapon. He heard Graham Cooke say that once. According to the dictionary a weapon is described as a device designed to inflict injury or death on an opponent. The secondary definition is; something used as a way of getting an advantage in a situation. Rest means a state or period of refreshing freedom from exertion.

How can rest be a weapon? For me I find if I don’t take the time to rest, then it will catch up with me. It will try to take advantage of the situation I’m in and I don’t react well. It does inflict injury to my body, mind and spirit.

I find when I’m so busy and do too much evidentially it catches up with me. It seems when life is as busy as it has been (it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down), it’s important for me to remember to slow down and rest.

Lack of sleep and a busy work week is a recipe for collapse. On top of our busy week, I’ve been battling a nasty head cold. Sitting through meetings with a foggy head is not recommended, but the meetings went really well. Many good things were discussed. My favorite part was being able to visit with everyone during the breaks. We also had some dear friends stay with us and it was good to spend time with them.

By Friday, my body was rebelling against my lack of sleep all week and my non-stop activity. I found it hard to function. Today is going to be a day of rest because rest will rejuvenate my body, my mind and my spirit. Yes, I could be packing boxes or countless other things, but today rest is the best thing I can do for myself. Tomorrow is another day.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

23 comments:

Susan said...

The model was left for us with the Sabbath wasn't it!!!
Susan

Brenda said...

I agree with Susan, we all need our 'Sabbaths'no matter what day it is our how long or short it is.
Seems like we'd always be on the defensive side without it.

Marla said...

Rest up today so that you feel better. Take care of yourself, I know you probably have alot to do.

Anonymous said...

What a positive way to look at rest. All too often I try to go without resting, wanting to do more and more. But thinking of it as a weapon ... may just help me rest :)

Glad you are aware of your potential weapons! Rest, enjoy and packing again is never fun but unpacking this time will be bliss!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh, rest is so important for body, mind and soul. Hope you will be feeling better and refreshed after your busy week!

Jill said...

I hope you got your much-needed rest and hope you feel better soon!

j said...

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Ann(ie) said...

That head cold and pace is brutal, girl!!!! GLAD you took time to rest. xo.

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Bex said...

oh yes, girl! i totally agree! some days i just NEED a nap and / or hot bath.

i have an award waiting for you at my blog!

Dawn said...

Oh wise one.....I will follow your lead! It's worked pretty good for me so far.

Scarlet said...

Good attitude! Great post!

I find I'm trying to do too much myself. I have a book my painting instructor recommended and I'm still in the middle of your wonderful book (which I haven't had time to read in over a week!). I'm painting the house, helping the kids with projects and working outside the home again.

There's more painting to be done today...although if I reread your post, I'll be putting it off...so I won't reread your post! :)

Have a fun day off, Chica! Tomorrow will take care of itself. ;)

Tammy said...

I needed to read this...I was feeling stressed with too much activity and a situation with my husband's job...and finally I just went to bed yesterday afternoon and stayed there...I was feeling physically and emotionally ill and the rest did me so much good.
(If you would, please keep us in your prayers...it doesn't look good for my husband's job right now...thanks, Nadine...)

palmtreefanatic said...

Rest my dear friend! I too notice a huge difference when I go go go! It usually catches up to me and I feel run down which leads to sickness! I am glad we can know when our bodies give us these signs!

Lala's world said...

I totally agree, if I don't take time outs for myself I feel the negative effects very quickly!
glad you are so wise :)

Anonymous said...

Spoken like the wise woman you are!

Steph said...

Great post---I totally agree. I love to go go go. But then I have to rest. And sometimes I have to MAKE myself.

Good for you that you see the need and act on it.

Glad your meetings are going well. Hope you feel better now that you've had some down time!

Sandy said...

yay for a day of rest! so needed!

how's your book? :)

a woman who is said...

It is a life long lesson your hubby has taught me...good for you that you are putting it into practice. Wish I could be there for this packing up...Hope you did't unpack everything :)

Jen(n) said...

amen!

The word verification below is "fry men" I think maybe a bitter woman might have come up with that one :)

redeemed diva said...

I love that quote by G. Cooke. I've said that often times myself--it's so true. Rest easy Nadine! You guys have been on quite the ride for the past couple of months. Rest...with bubble bath of course!

Damselfly said...

Rest as a weapon. I love that idea. I think rest for sure helps us fight off colds and the like. My minister says sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest.

CC said...

what an interesting analogy. I'm going to have to think about that one more!