“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
– Eleanor Brownn

Point to Ponder:
Is your brain spinning and thinking about all there is to do and make happen in 2015?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Prior to having children, Christmas wore me out. I’ve always burned the candle at both ends to get things just right, but now that I have small children I feel completely beaten down! I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, because I loved and am loving every minute of it, but despite feeling exhausted and knowing that I need some rest and chill time, I am still fighting the urge to go, accomplish and begin my 2015 list.

I have two conversations playing out in my head, much like in the cartoons where the devil is on one shoulder and an angel is on the other. The devil is telling me “you didn’t do enough in 2014 and you need to get your lazy rear moving because you are losing time and getting behind- 2015 is only days away and you need to do better!!” Then, the angel, of course the voice of calm and reason is saying, “rest your body, mind and spirit because there will be plenty of time to achieve. 2015 will be healthier and happier on a full tank.” Despite that real mental and spiritual battle, I know I need to let the voice of calm and reason win. And with the weather being dreary, I do feel as if it’s God’s gift, telling us to rest, relax and enjoy the quiet because it’s only a matter of time before life will get busy again and demand more from us.

So with 2015 on the horizon and the temptation to do better and more, I encourage you to join me and first take full advantage of this quiet time, while also taking the quote above and the following quote to heart: “Fatigue is the common enemy of us all — so slow down, rest up, replenish and refill.” (Jeffrey R. Holland). Then, starting next Sunday and throughout January we will provide you with several opportunities to create an intentional, meaningful and fulfilling year.  It’s going to be great, so rest up and recharge!

Action Item:
Avoid the urge to accomplish and allow your body, mind and spirit to rest, relax and rejuvenate. It’s only a matter of time before life will get busy again and demand much more of you.