I am learning to make time for restful activities. [Tweet This]
I’ve come to realize that taking a nap or sitting on the porch are just as important as writing a blog post or cleaning a closet. Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for everything. So I’m being purposeful about taking time in the middle of my busy day for restful activities.
I love to write in my journal.
Journaling is relaxing; it also chronicles my journey and connects the threads of what God is doing in and around me: A prayer said, and the answer that comes. A scripture that leaps off the page, and a few days or weeks later, seeing the connection to what I am living.
I mentioned napping. I don’t indulge everyday, but when I do, I see the benefits.
And there is something peaceful about sitting by the water that feeds my soul.
Walking or other forms of exercise also provide restful activities. Exercise increases our endorphins and stimulates the brain. It helps with brain fog and increases creativity. I find I have increased stamina and strength…well most of the time anyway.
Restful Activities have many Benefits
Knitting, crocheting or other handwork is shown to decrease blood pressure. I love having simple patterns and projects that I can pick up or take with me. Knitted dishcloths are quick and easy. Crocheted prayer shawls are easy and provide a way to minister to others.
My sister loves working on a jigsaw puzzle. This is also so healthy for brain function. I am not so much of a puzzle girl but there again, my sister probably wouldn’t like knitting. The idea is to find the restful activity that is calming for YOU. [Tweet This] Whether it’s gardening, crossword puzzles, sewing, or the many other creative pursuits…you need to find what you enjoy most.
Coloring is All the Rage
The funny thing is, my mom who is now 76 years old, used to color all the time. She has a coloring book she completed during each of her pregnancies. And truly, there is nothing more fun that a brand new box of crayons.
The coloring pages we see now are beautiful designs meant to be colored with pencil or fine markers. They remind me of the old Spirograph designs we made when we were kids, except on a larger scale.
My talented friend, Lisa Samson creates these freehand designs to color and they are just gorgeous. Be sure to take a look at her Etsy store called, Lisa Joy Art.
And, as my gift to you when you subscribe to my blog and/or ministry updates, Lisa has provided a free download of this beautiful design.
Simply print on heavy paper and enjoy coloring. You will receive the download link in your thank you email.
And a huge thank you to Lisa for sharing her gift with us.
What activities refresh you?
I would love to hear about the restful activities you enjoy because I need new ideas. Join the conversation by scrolling down and leaving your comment below. In times of rest and creativity, we can see things a bit more clearly. When we power down, God provides His perspective in our busy lives.
Until then, I hope you discover some creative ways to play and enjoy the restfulness they provide. I am taking the month of June to rest and enjoy my family who will be visiting. See you in July.
Jeanne
If you’d like to receive posts like this via email, Subscribe Here and enjoy my gift of a mini word study on the topic of Rest. And for a limited time, you can get Lisa’s beautiful handcrafted coloring page.
Some Restful Resources for you:
Images courtesy or Morguefile.com unless noted
Retirement has many blessings. It has taken my husband and me over seven years to finally learn to rest in what the working world would call non-productive ways. Taking a nap occasionally is one of them.
I thought I would be drawing, sculpting, and other art projects when I retired. That was not God’s plan. He has had me on a learning curve in an area that I would not have sought. That is writing. At first, writing put me in a fear filled pit. However,with trust and obedience, I’ve come to find it a peaceful activity when I write out my musses. The peace that comes from the pen to the paper are seen in the word pictures of praise, love and loyalty to God, His Son, and His Spirit within.
God continues to grow all of us in all seasons of life. Pausing in peace filled moments to do what doesn’t come with a pay check or a pat on the back are difference for each one of us. For me, I no longer struggle with writing because it has become a rest of quiet activity shared with the Prince of Peace at my side.
Thank you, Jeanne for giving me this challenge to see that my refreshment comes from just being quiet before the Lord. Challenge us on!
Carolyn, there is a devotion in Mrs. Charles Cowman’s book called, Streams in the Desert. It says that God is working even in the REST – she shares the example of a musical piece that is filled with notes and rests. All are part of the music. And rest is part of ours too. thank you for sharing your heart and may He bless you as you continue to follow His leading.
Ooh, love this analogy! 🙂
I love coloring too – refreshes my sometimes weary soul. And, like you, I really love Lisa Samson’s designs.
Thanks for your thoughts, Joy. Lisa’s coloring pages are so gorgeous. I used colored pencil on mine.
I used to love card making…found it very relaxing…I need to reorganise my craft stuff, declutter and create a fresh space so I can get going with it again!
I enjoyed making cards too, Debbie. But it was stressful (not sure if that’s the word) to drag all my supplies out each time I wanted to get creative 🙂 I think creating a fresh space sounds perfect for you to recharge this activity in your life 🙂
I too thought I’d be tapping into my drawing side but lately have discovered writing which I didn’t think I could do. While my current creative season falls into the ‘traditional’ forms of art (ie: music, art, draw, paint),I find I’m creative in how I decorate a space, wall, table, gift, etc. However, my most restful satisfying rest comes when I take time to sit in a wicker chair on our back patio and watch the backyard birds do their evening dance while the amber glow of the sun is going down. And when dusk is about gone I wait for last call which is always Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal. It gives me peace.
Tammy Sue, I am with you on the porch 🙂 Thanks for sharing your restful thoughts with us.
Many of my poems come from sitting on our deck, watching a variety of bird or taking photos – songbirds, waterbirds, and birds of prey. Writing poems and reading Psalms especially bring comfort, and I like coloring with colored pencils too. 🙂
God’s creation is such a stirrer of emotions. I can’t help but be mindful of Him. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mary. The restful activity of just being, and taking time to notice–we see God’s treasures around us.
For me, reading a good book on the back porch is very restful. I am in a period of rest so this blog post is perfect timing :-). I also felt like I was to exercise a lot and I’m glad you made the connection because that’s right, exercise can bring peace.
A good book is always a great way to rest, Mary. Resting is all about soul care. It’s about trusting, waiting, resting, being….so many things. Exercise clears my mind and strengthens my body. Somehow I see that in soul care too. Thanks for sharing about your restful activity with us.