Restoration … is an on-going process of the body, the mind, and the spirit. It is a process that brings with it acceptance and appreciation. We begin to look forward to the rituals of restoration, to await their return in the cycle of our lives. They bring us a measure of comfort.
Each morning a cup of tea enjoyed in my garden surrounded by the sound of the trickling fountain and the sweet sounds of the morning birds brings restoration to my soul and peace to my mind. It is a time of reflection and preparation to meet the new day … a brief period of time that is mine before I meet the world and all that awaits me for that day.
When my body is tired or stressed from a busy day, a hot shower washes away not only the grime of the day but also removes the tension and strain from tired and aching muscles and prepares them for rest. It is a thing of comfort for my body as are soft pajamas and a cuddly robe when the weather turns cool.
Taking a nap in the middle of a busy day when your mind is running in many different directions at once seems like a waste of time but your mind doesn’t think so. It is a welcome respite from all that is churning inside … another time of comfort and restoration. How much easier life’s challenges seem when we’ve had a bit of rest.Enjoying a day of rest at the end of a busy work week is not only therapeutic for the body and the mind but rejuvenating for the soul – that inner part of us that cries out all week to be noticed but we are so busy we fail to take the time to consider the weightier, more transcendent matters of life. In society today we plan, we work, we rush, we play – all on a tight schedule as if we are on a merry-go-round and there is no way to get off.
Our bodies were created with inherent natural rhythms. Studies have shown that our natural bodies are designed to work on a seven-day cycle. Our heartbeat, blood pressure, body temperature, hormone levels and red blood cell count (to name a few) rise and fall in seven-day cycles. If we want our bodies to be healthy and able to work and play hard all week, we need to allow for a day of rest for body, mind and soul every seven days.
Our Creator planned for this when He created the Sabbath on the seventh day by resting and declaring it holy in Genesis 2. As Lord of the Universe and Creator of all things He did not need to rest; He set apart a day of rest for His children so that they might find comfort and restoration every week. In Isaiah 58 He says that if we will honor this day of rest, He will bless our lives and we will “ride on the high places of the earth”.
As for me, I look forward each week to this day of rest and restoration. My body needs it; my mind needs it; and my soul enjoys every minute.
May you come to experience the comfort of the Sabbath in your life.
Blessings, Ann
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