Rest

Yesterday I didn't leave my apartment.

I spent all day between the walls of this home, and it sounds a little depressing- but I promise it was glorious. I slept in, cleaned my room, worked on homework, drank too much coffee. I opened my windows, lit a candle, and journaled. I napped once, then napped again. Friends filled my living room and gathered around a monopoly board, playing for hours. My friends left, but I stayed.

It was dreamy. I found something this weekend that I've been missing for quite some time- rest.

On Friday I spent two and a half hours at lunch with my good friend Krissy. We caught up on each other's lives after an exciting winter break (she's getting married!!!) and giddily shared thoughts on life as we ate tacos. And just like always, she spoke wisdom into my life. For that, I am so thankful. Among good conversation, we talked about rest and what it looks like in both of our lives.

I'll be the first to admit that rest is something I lack in my life because I don't allow it on an everyday basis. So often I believe lies that tell me I can only find rest when I go home, when I am on a break from school or on a vacation. I start to believe that there is a time and place where rest is allowed, but most days I keep it locked up when life gets crazy because society tells us we aren't supposed to slow down.

Krissy then did what she does so beautifully- she reminded me of this truth from the gospel of Matthew:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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."

Hearing this verse was just what I needed. A reminder that rest does not come with a location or a time frame. It comes in Christ alone, it comes when we hand over our burdens because this life is messy and yes, draining. It is a fact that we are weary and burdened by this world, but we can rejoice in that because Jesus lifts our load!

Good, refreshing, soulful rest comes when we stop trying to lock it up and save it just for beach trips or breaks from school. 

Good, refreshing, soulful rest comes when we allow it to consume our everyday lives.
It comes when we look to Christ for peace because if we are being honest- sometimes our lives can be anything but peaceful.

I find rest everyday in the little things, too. I find rest in intentional conversations with good friends. I find rest in my comfy yellow, green and blue plaid chair that sits in the corner of my room by a bookshelf. I find rest in lazy weekends where I watch too much Netflix. I find it in good music and naps and long walks.

Life is crazy, but rest is good.

Happy Sunday! I hope you find rest today.

Take a moment- United Pursuit