Restful Sundays are one of the best things I have incorporated into my routine. Albeit, this semester, I haven't been great about keeping up with it, and I can see the effects on my mood. America has become such a fast-paced, selfish, and workaholic society. And I really hate how inescapable it feels. Having one day a week to rest, to take a break from work and stressors, no matter what that looks like for you, is Biblical because God knew how much time and energy we would spend on things that aren't that important in the grand scheme of things. A day of rest doesn't have to be on Sunday, but that is when I do mine, just because I'm already going to church and that seems to be our society's calmest day. Here are my favorite activities to do -- leave your favorites in the comments! Comfy Clothes There is a good chance you already wear nothing but sweatpants, but I love changing out of my church dress into a crewneck and sweats. Bonus points for fuzzy socks! A Nice Dose of Escapsim My absolute favorite thing to do on a restful Sunday is lose myself in a book or Netflix show (though usually, I choose a book). It helps calm my brain and engage my imagination. Reading also has the lovely ability to help improve your empathy, as well as your grammar! Unplug I love leaving my phone at the other end of the room when I'm reading. I also love to read in our campus' arboretum for hours at a time, and just leave my phone in my room. I really recommend taking time away from your phone to give your eyes a break from the screen, your back a break from hunching over, and your mind a break from what literally everyone else in the world is doing. Treat Yo' Self I can only take bubble baths when I'm home, but by gosh do I enjoy them. YouTube, bath bombs, scrubs, bath salts, candles, chocolate in any form -- the options to mix and match are endless. I highly recommend. How often do you take a day off? What do you like to do?
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I came across this verse recently during my devotion, and it really caught my attention. "Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem." So you may take this at first glance and think, "Oh yeah I know, God is good wahoo." But there is a very important detail to remember about this time is Israel's history: Israel got themselves into this mess Israel was caught in a cycle, for like, years and years and years, of screwing up and ignoring God, getting captured, and then crying out to God for deliverance. When He came through and rescued them, all they did was ignore Him again, which would lead to them reentering captivity...You get the picture. God is so good that way. Even when we do things over and over again -- lie, cheat, judge, preach false interpretations of Scripture -- God still loves us and pursues us. He doesn't forget us when we're in the captivity of fear, others' gossip, or anxiety, even when those things are a direct result of us saying or doing something we shouldn't have. He is still ready to protect you and to be there for you if you'll let Him. Confessing you did something wrong, and then repenting of it (aka admitting that it was something wrong) is the first step, even if it isn't easy. He is pursuing you, He is fighting for you, and He wants a relationship with you. He won't shut you out and He won't kick you to the curb after you mess up. I would have been kicked the curb a long time ago. |
AuthorI am a September baby, which may be the root of my love for fall. I love dark chocolate, popcorn, and I do actually like brussel sprouts. I'm the kind of person that listens to a Christmas song in September. (But only one. I don't want to ruin the ~magic~). Archives
May 2019
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