Joy of Relaxing

 

    We all need a break sometimes.  God commanded that we take the Sabbath off, but he also set up times for national holidays for people to have a longer rest.  It is wise to take time to revitalize and invigorate your spirit.  Time of rest should bring joy and help you face the world.  Ask yourself what would be your ideal vacation.  Then start making plans to make that happen.

    If you are not able to go anywhere, then still take the time to refresh your mind.  Create a mental vacation to update your perspective, reload on enthusiasm, and rebuild potential.  Take the time to find joy before or during burnout.  

    You can get a mental getaway through habits, especially taking time to spend with God before your day starts.  Stale and stagnant thought processes will drain you over time affecting your attitude.  Make an effort to drop all negativity, especially the subtle ones.  Cut out all forms of criticism, condemning, gossip, or grumbling.  Refrain from exasperating mannerisms.  This includes your face, not just your words and actions.  

    Frustration and annoyances can dampen your joy.  While on vacation resist talking about things that bother you: physical, mental, emotional, or other.  Avoid self-defeating habits until you return home.  That way you have a time to look at how nice things are.  Maybe that can come home with you.  

    While on vacation allow inspiration to reenter your life by focusing on what is beautiful, excellent, true, just, and praiseworthy.  Spend extra time in prayer, forgiveness, and encouraging those with you.  Speak only positivity.  Smile more, laugh more, and allow the worry wrinkles to relax.  Notice how everyone around you is relaxed and acting differently.  Refresh the value you see in your relationships and circumstances.

    Avoid normal habits.  Explore to see if you can find new things you enjoy.  Try new food.  Embrace a new culture.  Pay attention to new sights.  Avoid the normal routine.  Make an effort to reach out to people.  Basically stir up the pot, but not so much that your lose the important ingredients in the pot.  Rediscover yourself and bring home the aspects you like to become permanent part of yourself.

Psalm 4:6-8, 16:9-11, 46:10, 91:1-8, 127, Proverbs 17:20-22, Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:27-29, Romans 15:7-13, & Philippians 4:4-7