How Memories of the Past Remind Me of the Need for Rest

Recently, I revisited the long ago struggles of rest time . Not for my kids. They are all young adults. This time, the resistance was all mine.

A few months ago, I entered into a medically necessary time of rest following surgery. For six weeks. After the first two days, the restlessness began. Yes, others could do tasks for me (just as they did all summer). My books and electronic devices laid nearby. But I wanted to be active: work, write, socialize outside of my house. My personality, season of life, and cultural influences collectively fought against implementing rest.

But one day, memories of the early years of parenting surfaced and reminded me of the same conflict with my kids. And they spoke to me with my own words then: Rest. When our kids are feeling lousy, embracing time for healing doesn’t seem so hard. But what parent doesn’t remember those moments when the symptoms have minimized, energy re-emerges but the body still needs healing? The struggle is real.

I have the opportunity now to receive that blessing and I’m thankful. Yet, I resist. Because I’ve learned how much we attach identity to being doers rather than being present. Surrendering to what God spoke into all of creation as “Good.” Rest.

Because of all that shapes me, I will likely always struggle with achieving the goal of completely embracing rest. Transforming my body into a posture of surrender doesn’t always come easy for me. And it didn’t for my kids either. But in my desire to see them restored, I echoed God’s declaration repeatedly. Now it’s my turn to listen.

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