Not only does this apply physically but also spiritually. Just like in Barre3 when they say to know and listen to your body - we should know and listen to our spirit. I am naturally a strong person and an athlete (softball for 15 years) - so... super competitive (if you have ever seen me play FishBowl or PingPong you are amen-ing that!). So the idea of slowing down or taking a break always seemed like weakness to me.
I really felt the Lord telling me to take a break recently. To focus on myself (something I am not a fan of) for a little bit. I have always exercised but decided to do a little more (thank you Barre3!), I also have always eaten pretty healthy but decided to focus on what my body is taking in more. There is a lot of "I" and "Me" in those sentences! Which has been so hard for me. If you have done or do any type of ministry you know what I'm talking about...
I am always focused on others, on community, on leading, etc. And I'm not saying I am checked out of those things by any means, but I did feel the Lord telling me to trust that He is doing and leading all of those things. They won't fall apart or die without me, because Jesus is the glue and the life that holds everything and everyone together. I just get the blessing of going along for the ride and helping people see the Glue and see the Life.
If you know me you know I am in constant work mode. I work for an awesome Missions Ministry that I love called Travel the Road, when I get off the clock from that I start doing Awaken Hope (Non-profit) stuff, leading Bible Study, hanging with friends, etc. So it was hard for me to "focus on myself" this month, and still is, because I'm still on "a break". I felt so guilty and condemned. Immediately the Lord showered His love and grace over me. I know we use that phrase "shower" a lot but I literally mean it. I felt the Holy Spirit just covering me, continually and constantly with His love and grace, reminding me that I don't have to do anything to be in right standing with God, I must simply believe. The Lord has really been teaching me what it means to sit at His feet. (I have #marthasyndrome for sure...) Not just in my quiet times in the morning, but how to sit at His feet all day.
Just as I take a break in Barre3 classes and come back stronger, with better form, and perform more effectively, so I know that this year will be the best yet, because spiritually, I will also come back stronger, in better form, and perform more effectively for His glory. It's all about His glory, it's all about lifting Him high. That is my passion with health - all work together. Mind, Body, and Spirit. You can learn so much from working out each one! And it all applies to one another and it all is for His glory.
So make time for yourself. Don't see breaks as a weakness. The one thing you should never break from is abiding, because apart from Him - everything is nothing. We must have our gaze firmly fixed on eternity and a heart rooted in Love that desires to see Him lifted up in His rightful place.
May the Lord lead you in your breaks, may His Word give you the discernment your Spirit, Mind, and Body needs. And more importantly, may you just fall head over heals, deeply in love with Jesus and sitting at His feet.
"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31)
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17)
In Him,
Lindsay
The Third World Girl
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