For My Health

I've spent the last few years working really hard to become healthier. I've changed the way I eat. I'm pickier about what I put in my body. I've expanded my exercise routines and added running (an activity I've always stunk at) to my exercise regimen. And I do feel healthier, stronger, more flexible. My physical health has definitely improved, but when the last few months of 2011 left me feeling exhausted, battered, and worn, I had to ask myself what I'm doing wrong. How can someone who's worked so hard to be healthy still feel so tired?

Is it possible that in all my "doing" I've ignored my emotional health? Can depleting your emotional tank wear a person out?

Oooh. It sounds a little egocentric to talk about, doesn't it? Tending to your emotional needs sounds self-absorbed, me-oriented. Yet I can't ignore how refreshing it was to take some time after Christmas to just "be" without "doing." I slept more, read more, hung out with my family more, watched some movies, took my time during my devotions in the morning. I felt like me again, without the burden of obligations or schedules. Instead of stewing over my to do list, I enjoyed myself.

And I felt more inclined to give back.

You know how they tell you on an airplane to put your oxygen mask on before helping another with theirs? Is the same true of taking care of our emotional selves? Why do I struggle with this when I've had no problem putting myself first physically? Is it because my physical regimen involved more discipline and self-sacrificing, while my emotional health feels self-indulgent?

But the rest, the calm . . . it's so sweet.

When I decided two years ago to work on my physical health, I did so out of a desire to be the best I could be for God, to eliminate obstacles to doing His work. Now I wonder if I am at my best when I do things only out of obligation. Could I do them better, faster, if my heart was in them? Would my heart be in them if I felt refreshed?

Will I always be able to capture time to tend to my emotional health? Probably not. But I build in time each week to exercise. Surely I can find places to relax and recharge too. Maybe not every day, but they need to be there.

For my health.

God's calling me to hide in Him, to rest in His presence, to soak in the simple joys He provides, like books for pleasure and getting lost in bunny trails of verses and puzzles and going to bed early. He's summoning me to relax a little and I am the glassy-eyed, tired lady stumbling to the Light.

I'm trying not to feel guilty about taking time for me. He says I need it. I already feel better. I wonder if it will actually make me stronger, more productive. And joyful. I'm going to give it a shot.

Do you sense it too, that calling to rest? Do you need to tend to your emotional health? Could it make you stronger?



Photo Credit: drp

An Antidote for the Blues

I've been feeling a little world weary this week, tired of being human, tired of witnessing pain and struggle, tired.

God tells me the best way to handle world weariness is to do the next thing, to keep moving, so I do. Yesterday I followed my normal routine of going to the gym. I ran a couple of miles on the treadmill (sweating is supposed to boost the endorphins, right?), but while doing it watched a depressing movie illustrating the plight of mankind. It didn't help.

Looking outside, I noticed the weather matched my mood--dark, cloudy, misty. I've always liked rain (is it the melancholy in me that identifies?). The smell, the sound, the feel, all bring a sigh, a sense of comfort. A cloudy day makes me feel the same as hunkering down under a pile of blankets. And since God's been telling me to quit doing and just be with Him, I decided what better place to do so, than in nature.


The cool, moist air refreshed. The sights mesmerized.


I walked slow, breathed deeply, soaked it in. A short, solitary trek, surrounded by God's beauty soothed my spirit, reminded me how big He is. It was like God hit the pause button on the frenetic pace of life and whispered, "Shhh . . ."


Why do I put so much pressure on myself to do? Why can't I just be?


And don't you love the sidewalk covered in leaves? It matches this blog title perfectly. "I don't need to know where I'm going as long as God gives the next step."

Make it so, Lord. Thank You for a peaceful stroll with You, for the reminder that You are here. Thank You.


For more Thankful Thursday posts or to link up your own, visit Iris at Grace Alone.

Soothing Sounds

A sleeping house.
Thunder mumbling in the distance.
The words "I love you."
A gurgling stream.
A fan softly whooshing.
Rain cascading to earth.
Blessed quiet. (Is silence a sound?)
The Truth.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

May you soothe your soul with some Truth today.



Photo Credit: A Brief Moment in Time

The Only Real Rest

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Come.

Learn.

Rest.



Photo Credit: RejiK

Plugging In

So much to do. Every minute of every day accounted for. My life is full and I am truly thankful, but this day I need an energizing word from you, Lord. I'm losing steam. I need your touch.

God, can you pump me up?

The Lord God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Your words are a lullaby, soothing my spirit, quieting my soul. When I expect a "Here we go, Tami, here we go" shot in the arm, something about perseverance and pushing ahead and running the race, you simply say, "Come here. Be still." You don't put a hand to my back, propelling me forward. You make me take a deep breath. You slow me down. You put wind in my sails as I sit in your presence. You are my source of energy.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.

Visit Iris at Sting my Heart for more Thankful Thursday posts.

Breathe

It was dark.

And very quiet.

She should have been sleeping, but her spirit was roused with anxiety. All the tasks, the changes, her failings, uncertainties, disappointments and worries over loved ones shook her awake.

"Where are You, Lord? I need Your peace," she whispered.

She felt Satan's pursuit more acutely lately. Her weary body had little strength to fight.

"I need You, Lord. I need to feel Your presence."

The clock ticked. The refrigerator hummed. Desperately wanting to be still and know that He is God, she closed her eyes, soaking in the silence, seeking the presence of the Almighty. Inhaling ever so slowly she said it again, "I need You, Lord."

The breath left her body and she sensed a faint I am here.

Inhale. . ."I need You."

Exhale. . .I am here.

Inhale. . ."Be near, Lord. I can't do earth without You."

Exhale. . .Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Inhale. . ."I feel so weak."

Exhale. . .Do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Her body began to relax.

Inhale. She listened closely.

Exhale. She believed Him.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.




Photo credit: artonline