Resting to Rise

If you’ve ever made bread before, you know the importance of yeast and resting time. Allowing the dough to rise for a set period of time seems like the easiest part of the baking process, but for an impatient baker like me, it’s the most difficult.

And, as you may have already guessed, I’ve tried avoiding this key step. And, without fail, skipping this seemingly mundane, “unnecessary” step causes my bread to end up flat and dense, pretty much inedible. Once I finally allowed for a proper resting time, I certainly saw the difference. With all the same ingredients, my bread transformed into a fluffy, soft, and flavorful delight that was praised rather than hesitantly bitten into.

When we allow our dough to rest, we are preparing it for the process of rising and becoming what it’s meant to be. And when we allow ourselves to rest, we are preparing ourselves for the process of becoming who we’re meant to be too.

We are often shamed for taking the time to rest. But the truth is, without rest, we don’t have the energy or motivation to keep going.

Now, perhaps the reason why rest has been dubbed “lazy” or “unproductive” is because we don’t fully understand what rest looks like.

Rest isn’t putting off work or avoiding certain tasks. It doesn’t mean scrolling on our phones or falling down the rabbit hole of aimless Google searches. Rest isn’t an excuse to not follow through with our promises or mooch off of others’ hard work.

Truly wonderful, life-giving rest comes from three main components:

Listening to your body

This means getting extra sleep when you feel fatigued or eating what makes you feel nourished and energetic. Listening to your body can also mean listening to your feelings and releasing what you’ve been bottling up inside. You aren’t ignoring your body’s cries for help, but instead expressing yourself and taking care of yourself in the ways you need.

Going on REtreats

You don’t have to go far to be on a retreat, but you certainly can if that’s what refreshes you. The simple act of stepping away from your day-to-day life and taking time to be in the presence of God can give you a new perspective on life. Being intentional about your time and taking these necessary breaks will help you see things on a broader scale and have more appreciation.

Doing what you love

Taking the time to pursue a hobby or passion, even if it’s for a few minutes a day or only on the weekends, will remind you what’s wonderful about life. These activities can remind you that you are made for more than just creating or following instructions. You are made to explore and discover all that God has for you. You are made to share your talents and passions with the world!

If you want to rise up into who you are meant to be, the first step is resting. Rest in the Lord. Rest in God’s promises for you. Rest in the fact that you are exactly where you are meant to be; there is no room for comparison here, only hope for the future.

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3