Can we get real about rest? Not the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” kind of rest, but true, God-ordained, soul-refreshing rest.
I used to wear my busyness like a badge of honor. Running multiple businesses, juggling family life, trying to be everywhere for everyone. Sound familiar? It wasn’t until I earned the nickname “THREE-NAPS” during our camping trips that I started to understand something profound about rest.
You see, rest isn’t just about physical sleep (though that’s important). It’s about trusting God enough to stop doing. It’s about being secure enough in your identity in Christ to say, “The world will keep spinning if I take a break.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Let me be vulnerable here: it took a complete business collapse and emotional burnout before I truly learned this lesson. Now at Standing Stone, we make rest a non-negotiable part of our ministry to leaders. Why? Because we’ve seen too many good leaders fall because they never learned to rest.
True rest requires intentionality. Treat it with the same importance as your most crucial meetings. Create clear boundaries between work and rest. Learn the power of saying “no.” Find your own rhythm of rest that works for you and your family. And don’t try to do it alone – find someone who’ll hold you accountable for maintaining healthy rest patterns.
Consider what’s keeping you from true rest. How does your view of rest affect your leadership? What would change if you truly embraced regular rest? How might rest improve your relationship with God and others?
Here’s my challenge to you: this week, schedule one intentional rest period. No phones, no email, no ministry work. Just rest. Then come back and share what you learned from this experience. Your story might be exactly what another weary leader needs to hear.
Remember, rest isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of wisdom. It’s about being more than doing. And sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.