Refreshment in our Daily Lives

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

We all work hard.  Many of us are up and out of bed by 6:00 and hit the ground running-checking emails, getting children ready for the day, cleaning up last night’s mess, and the list goes on.  So many hats to wear and so little time.  Our fast paced lives can leave us feeling frazzled!  But did you know that you can find refreshment in the midst of the craziness of our lives?  So take a minute, sit back with a cup of jo and prepare to be encouraged with some tips from a mom whose been there.

Spiritual Refreshment

1. Bless someone else.  This may seem counterintuitive, but pouring into someone else actually fills us up.  When my children were young, I would take them with me to deliver meals to people in need.  We did this 2-4 times/month. It would have been easier to keep them at home, or not go at all for that matter.  What was surprising to me about these trips was not how much the people appreciated the meals, but how it made us feel.  There were so many times I left realizing we were the ones that were blessed.  Many times, just taking the focus off our ourselves and pouring into someone else ultimately fills us up.  In Ezekiel 36:26, it says “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”.  We have the transforming power of Christ living in us.  So the things that break God’s heart should also break ours.  Where is God breaking yours?  Is it bringing meals to needy, volunteering at a refugee center, helping the homeless?  Pursue those areas where you truly have a passion and desire to serve.  Serving others can be a major source of spiritual refreshment.
2. Purposefully Pray.  Intentionally take your desires, needs and struggles to the One who can handle them all.  Cry out to God for those around you.  Again, taking time to focus your attention on needs of others will revive your soul and keep your perspective correct. When He answers prayers, praise Him.  
3. Pray throughout the day.  Talk to Jesus like He really is your best friend.  Have ongoing conversations with Him and keep connected to this lifeline.
4. Designate a weekly day of rest.  The sabbath day was God’s design since the beginning.  For our family, it is Sunday.  It is a day to unwind, reset, and recharge.  The cares of the world can wait.
5. Witness His creation. “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”  Psalm 8:3-4.  Take time to watch the sun rise or set, study a flower, watch a bird.  Appreciating God’s creation can put your focus on Him.  To be in awe of Him and everything He gave you can reinvigorate the desire to fulfill His will in your life.
6. Sing.  Anytime, anywhere and it doesn’t matter how good or bad a voice you think you have.  Worshipping Him can change the atmosphere and mood.
7. Study the word and be doers of the word.  Read His word for understanding and revelation.  Then go share the good news with others.  James says in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”  And further in the passage: “...not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.”

Physical/Mental Refreshment

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own:  you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.  Take time to take care of the temple that God created.  It will keep you going strong after the things that God has called you to.

1. Exercise.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  There are many benefits of simply taking a  walk.   Getting fresh air, no distractions, sunshine (Vitamin D, my friends:) and enjoying nature are just a few perks of walking.  While you’re at it, grab your kiddos or dog for the fun of it.
2. Eat well.  Nourish and fuel your body with simple, home cooked food.  Drink well -hydrate your body with no sugar drinks.  Water rocks!
3. Get some rest.  A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference.  7-9 hours is the optimum amount.
4. Play.  Turn off screens.  Spend face to face time with those you care about.  Go outside no matter what the weather.  Run around and be silly- grab a child or a dog.  Pull out a board game and gather around.  Have fun - laughter is good for you!
5. Work.  Doing a task that is physically demanding like gardening or painting can actually be invigorating.  When the task is complete, there is a great sense of accomplishment.
6. Take a time out.  Pause and read a good book and take a sip of coffee.
7. Connect with others.  Call a friend or family member.  If you can’t see each other face-to-face, hearing someone’s voice is the next best thing.

Choose a couple of these tips (or maybe all of them:) and try them out.  May they be a help and encouragement to you!