Take the Time to Chill, Relax and Refresh

Chill, Relax and Refresh

Here I am with eight things on my morning to-do list and wondering how I’m going to get everything done. It’s times like these that make me weary and ready to throw in the towel. But it’s also a reminder for me to take some time to chill, relax and refresh.

Nowhere does it say TOO MUCH is a good thing! 

Goodness, it seems as if there’s always a never-ending list of stuff to do. And this stuff is crowding into my last few days of July. If I’m not careful it will spill over into August and I can’t let that happen. I am determined that the to-do’s will either get finished or deleted from the list. Busyness will not take away my JOY.  

It seems the summer months go so quickly don’t they? But I refuse to get caught in the hustle and bustle. I’ve rearranged my schedule and intentionally taking time to chill, relax and refresh. I. HAVE. TO.

I’ll let you in on a little secret–I’m not very good at chillin’. There, I’ve said it. My friends and family will tell you that I’ve always got my hand (or both hands) in some activity or project. I’m always working on something and it’s usually something that brings me joy. Still it’s a weakness, I know. But I am who I am. Not much chance of rewiring my brain at this point, but I am being intentional with my choices.  

Take Your Plans a Day at a Time

Just like needing down time–it’s a necessity. I have purposely spent more time than usual this summer relaxing my mind, refreshing my spirit and playing with my family. Continuing that process into August may seem odd, but in this case it’s mind over matter. School starts in a few weeks and I refuse to stress about it for even one minute. After all, I can practically do this stuff in my sleep. I don’t take any of it for granted, but it’s deciding what I can do, what I need to do, and what I actually do that makes the difference. 

The whole point of resting and relaxing is to step back from the overwhelm and busyness. It’s about catching my breath and being more gentle with my mind and body.

I keep going back to an email from a colleague, Pernille Ripp, that popped up in my inbox a year ago and it said this: ‘We’re always pursuing something new to try. We plan more, juggle one hundred things, and add in extra whenever we see a need, and then come back and do the same the next day.’  

And then she added, ‘We know in our hearts that we can’t sustain this kind of schedule, so what can we do?’

WE MUST CHILL, RELAX AND REFRESH, that’s what! 

Pernille was referring to the teaching profession of course and the overworked, overwhelmed parts of wanting to do it all, but taking time to slow down and refuel applies to life in general. 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7 NIV

What’s Important to You?

I may get in over my head occasionally, but I will never FORGET who I am or who I belong to. I’m a Christian, a wife, a mom and more. In that order. I will honor and follow Christ first, love and care for my family and take time for me. And I’ll bring my best and most passionate work to my calling. 

So as I walk toward another month, I know it’s okay for me to take occasional breaks. Life goes on even if I don’t get everything done. Life is simpler when I choose to say no to things I’m no longer interested in. Eliminating the unnecessary things I no longer need to support my quest for intentional living gives me the freedom to chill, relax and refresh my mind and soul. There’s great joy in that. 

Change For the Better

What changes do you want to make in your life and what do you hold most sacred? What’s holding you back? It’s not selfish to take the time you need to refuel. You and your family benefit.

Don’t forget to share how you’ve create a simpler life for you and your family.

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

I’ll be praying for you this week.

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