Weekend of Rest.....

Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation from the vacation that you were just on? Or gone out of the country for a mission trip and wished you had taken that extra day off or you just realized that you have worked 19 days straight and just need a break???

 R E S T

Such a simply word, such a simple thing that has so much benefits if you do it.

I didnt realize how important this word would be to me, until I moved to Costa Rica. You see when I lived in California, I would get caught up on the American norm of the busier you are, the better. I was always planning ahead, filling in my calendar with coffee dates and etc. I didnt want anyone to think I was" lazy" or " wasnt working hard enough because I had too much free time". So if I was tired, I would push through it.

But, once I moved here (CR) I realized just how important it is to REST. I mean truly putting aside work, social media, alarm clocks and anything else that you cant live without. And just sitting, hiking, reading, playing music or whatever else that helps you to unwind. I can probably count on my hand of how many times I have truly just rested. And honestly, those times of rest have been while I have been here in Costa Rica.

This last weekend, I was able to turn off my phone, turn off social media, and my life in Costa Rica. And I was able to focus on my relationship with God. For the last 2 months, I have been going and going. From my trip to California (which was a blessing) that was filled with seeing friends and family that I havent seen all year. To coming back to work and coming back to a busy month of cafecito with host families, welcoming semester students and preparing for the first team of the year. By the time January had ended, I was exhausted. And it was just the first month of 2015!

Since it was my first weekend off in about a month, I took advantage of it. I went to one of my favorite places in this country. All weekend long I sat, read my bible, listen to the new Bethel album, journal and read some more. I laughed with friends when we were hanging out or having dinner. And each night when the sun would go down I stood in AWE of God's art work. I prayed a lot about some big decisions I will soon need to make, and I prayed for all my friends who are also working and doing ministry in other countries.

And then I came back home.

I am thankful for sometime away. I know that this year will be a busy year for me and I need to remember that it is ok to stop and take of myself in the midst of the business. That as a follower of Christ, I am called to rest, to take a sabbath and focus on my Maker.

"So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience." Hebrews 4:9-11 

 P/S
This is my favorite song from the new Bethel Album We Will Not Be Shaken. Make sure you buy it if you haven't yet! It is SO GOOD!