21 Gifts of AdventSample

The Gift of Rest

It was a season that I was unprepared for and wasn’t sure what it would look like, but I knew I needed it. Stepping away from a full-time job after 13.5 years was scary! I prayed the following day, “Lord, make me whole!” But the slower days ahead weren’t what I had signed up for.

Honestly, it felt good to sleep in past 3:45 am. That was my old wake-up call every morning for my drive into work. Sleeping more was one side benefit, but my expectations were high for this new chapter. I wanted more than a good fat nap. I also wanted to slow down, but I didn’t know how to find rest. 

I worked hard to uncover my purpose in those days of transition. Working from home was a new kind of animal. I felt weak in slowing down, but I didn’t realize how worn out I really was. Emotionally, I was spent. The transition from a high public personality to a full-time writer was challenging for me. It felt so lonely and private. I can remember feeling so unproductive in my newfound season. 

So I asked God for the joy in this rest time even though it felt like I was in an isolated prison cell. Was there any joy to be found in my new snail’s paced schedule? It was a couple of months before I realized that God was working on His time frame, not mine. I slowly began to regain a better trust for His timetable with His plans for me. The time I was experiencing was meant to slow down my mind and heart—to be still and know Him in rest. 

Often we try to jump ahead of God or try to produce our own spin on an agenda that doesn’t include Him. I’m learning to trust God with every need, every move, and my heart’s desires. I am left in wonder that my Father, who has no needs, can anticipate all of mine ... no matter the season.

Advent reflection: We can trust God with every season. As we accept His plans, the timing of God is crucial to our rest. You can experience true rest in knowing God through the transitions throughout your life. Finding His rest is a treasure for every passing moment to trust God deeper.