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With the many pressures of daily life, it's important that we remember to
take time for ourselves to relax and refresh our spirit. The challenges
that come our way are many and if we are continually at the breaking point,
then sooner or later we are going to collapse and lose the blessing of
being at our best. We cannot be so busy that we forget to enjoy the simple
pleasures that are all around us. Doing simple things like going for a
short walk, playing with your children, reading a book and even sitting
alone and committing some extra time in prayer can make a big difference in
how your day goes. We must take time for ourselves each day to relax,
reflect, and rejuvenate our strength to continue on with a refreshed fervor.
If you are having trouble finding time for yourself, then I hope this
message ministers to your heart to take a break so that your ability and
usefulness will never wear thin.
A CHANGE OF PACE
According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great
storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed
and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous
activity.
Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it
on the ground. Then he said to the critical Athenian, "Now, answer the
riddle, if you can. Tell us what the unstrung bow implies."
The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop
was trying to make. The moralist explained, "If you keep a bow always bent,
it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit
for use when you want it."
So it is with us. Our minds and bodies are like the bow. When constantly
under pressures of everyday life, we can eventually break. We need to
loosen up; we need time to take the pressure off and relax.
Former baseball pitcher Dutch Leonard might have put it a little
differently. He once said that the secret of great pitching is not speed
or the ability to throw curves. It's the 'change of pace.' The average
batter will soon learn to hit a pitcher who continually throws the same
kind of pitch. But it's hard to hit against a pitcher who changes the pace
of delivery. That change of pace gives a pitcher the edge over the best of
batters.
A change of pace likewise gives us an edge in life. Taking time to watch
the clouds, enjoy a breeze, take a walk, read or just slow down is
necessary if we are to be our best later. And a regular day of rest is as
important as regular sleep. It's a way of taking the pressure off.
To be your best, make sure you change your pace. It may just be the change
you need.
By Steve Goodier
Take this message as an encouragement to relax your mind and body if you
are finding yourself to be at a high stress level. The Lord did not create
us to be in constant motion, but wants us to be productive in a normal
manner. The Bible says our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that
we are His workmanship. We are to take care of the body that God has
entrusted us with and not take it for granted. (1 Cor. 6:19) (Ephesians 2:10)
We read in Ecclesiastes that there is a time for every season. A time to
work and a time to play, a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to give
and a time to receive. We cannot expect our mind and body to be at optimal
working level when we fail to take the time to relax and refresh. (Eccl. 3:1-8)
I encourage you again to remember that time is a two-way street. If you
invest time in yourself properly, then you will not have to worry about the
stresses of life overwhelming you and causing you to not be at your best.
Rest in the authority of the Lord and know that He wishes for you to be in
good health and that your Joy may be full. (3 John 2) (Hebrews 4:10)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus declares "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn
of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
Luke 12:22-24 Jesus declares "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for
your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider
the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse
nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?"
3 John 2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be
in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: AFTER THE RAIN
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem84.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: RESCUED FROM DEPRESSION
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony37.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
