A few weeks ago, I had a Sunday afternoon all to myself. Sarah and the boys were going to spend time at her mom’s place, and I had no responsibilities at all. These days are rare indeed, they almost never happen. So the question that faces so many of us so much of the time popped in to my head: What exactly am I going to do to relax?
For me the answer was clear. It was cold, but not raining, and so the fall cycling tights came out, and I hit the trails. I wanted to be out in nature. I wanted to see God’s beautiful wildlife. I wanted to feel the wind in my face. I wanted to ride.
When I got home, Sarah couldn’t understand. I had a whole afternoon to rest, to relax, to even sleep if I wanted to, but instead I rode for 20 miles on my bicycle. The things that make the most sense to me as rest and recovery might strike many as foolish, the exact opposite of rest.
The question that I think we all need to answer before we go much further in this week’s discussion of rest and recovery is this: What is it that gives you life? Because by suggesting that we rest more, I’m not suggesting that we all turn in to a nation of couch potatoes. Believe me, there are times when naps are necessary and required, but there are also times where I need to participate in the activities that give my soul life. I need to be active. I need to do, but I need to do the things that speak to who I am as a child of God.
So what gives you life? What are the activities that may require physical effort, but bring you rest and recovery?