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What Rests You?

Playtime & Rest

19 Mar

When I raise my eyes from the computer, former procrastinators, I look out a double window. The view rests me and offers gentle pleasures.  Across the street, a swing hangs from a tall tree. The lowest branch is almost at the peak of the two story roof.  I remember the day the dad managed to get the ropes over that branch and hang the swing.  Three boys have fun on it.

I can see the sloping hill from their side yard and the one next to it. The slopes meet and form a little valley.  At the end is a fence and a friendly gate.  I’m rested when I look out there.

God created us to need rest. Of course, we need hours to sleep and periods of down time.  But I’m finding that if I notice, there are also moments of rest that refresh my soul- such as gazing out the window.

What rests you?

Notice moments of pleasure that you can savor, brief relief from the hubbub of mental and physical activity. Pause to enjoy and be refreshed.  If we put off those opportunities and blast past them, we miss a sweet gift from God that serves as a little valve to relieve pressure and increase joy.

It’s very practical to be refreshed by restful moments. Add to this list from your own life.  I’m rested by

  • Being grateful in a warm dry house when it’s storming outside.
  • Riding in the car, dozing off to sleep.
  • Stepping outside to breathe fresh air.
  • Smiling.
  • Touching and studying the leaves of a potted plant or a single bloom in a vase. Giving it water.
  • A walk when I’m tense or just for fun.
  • Realizing as I drive, “Heart, you can slow down. We left in plenty of time.”
  • Crawling in bed early enough to read.
  • Lingering in the backyard, inspecting new growth (my husband’s town version of riding in the truck to inspect crops)
  • Quiet – when there’s been talking, TV, or music. Or music that soothes.
  • The thought that dinner is in the oven or in the fridge ready to be heated.
  • The thought that “Hey, we can have pancakes for supper!”
  • A job completed – a note mailed, a call made, a flowerbed weeded
  • Petting the dog. Our daughter says stroking him is therapeutic.  Probably for both of us.
  • Green stretches of our driving route, especially along the water. Each season takes a turn rejuvenating me.  (This rest is increased if I leave home with margin and drive at a speed that enables enjoyment.)
  • Taking a bath. This one comes from a friend who relaxes best this way.
  • Closing my eyes and breathing deeply while waiting in the car for a child or in an office.
  • Arriving early to church and focusing quietly on the prelude and the Lord.
  • Saying thank you and thinking about the kindness that prompts it

Every day this week, notice a restful moment. Whether you plan it or it comes unexpectedly, peacefully enjoy.

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

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"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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