REST....is it a necessary part of the training?

Yesterday was my day of rest as part of the "plan". I didn't want to rest. I wanted to get on my bike and make my sore muscles behave and not be so sore. But instead I went on a great morning walk with my wonderful husband. I was sore all day yesterday. It wore off as the day went on, but by the end of the day I was glad that I hadn't gotten on the bike.

This morning when I woke up almost completely recovered from my soreness. We woke up too late to ride before Dave went to work so we went on another walk. I'm suppose to ride today according to the "plan" so later when it is way too hot to be outside I'm going to ride my stationary bike and watch another part of Pride and Prejudice on my computer.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3)

I am so thankful for the rest that God gives.

It's Sunday, but Monday's a'comin'

I love Sundays! I like that I get to sleep a little bit more on most Sundays. I like that my morning doesn't seemed rushed. I like that Sunday still has a plan for the day (unlike most Saturdays). I like going to church. I like seeing my friends there. I like singing praise songs and hymns. I like learning when there is no test.

Sunday is a day of rest for my inner being, for my soul. Even if it is a full Sunday with lunch appointments and special meetings where my body feels no rest, my soul feels rested and refreshed.

Sunday is a balm for my wounds from the previous week. You know, the stuff that just happens along the week: the misunderstanding at work; the quick, sharp words said in tiredness to a family member, or by a family member; the guy you cut off yelling or that you cut someone off and they (or you) yelled; the waiting at the post office, in line at the grocery store, at Redbox, at the airport, you know, the waiting; the death of someone near or the death of a friendship; getting up late and playing catch up all day; the headaches and the backaches of life.

Sunday is a time for my mind and soul to find places of quietness to camp out for a while.

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Genesis 2:2-4 (New International Version)

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." Mark 6:30-32 (New International Version)

I think that God has that in mind for me every Sunday, to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Although I usually do not get physical rest I still feel rested and ready for Monday!