The Rest is A Miracle

     I just finished my first week of 10K training. I followed it to the letter. I even did my long run in the snow. But my plan got derailed. I woke up with a sore shoulder.
     Yesterday was meant to be a weight training day, but I couldn't face it. I iced my shoulder. I took a nap. I read quietly. I took Motrin. When evening arrived I sank into an Epsom salt bath. When I awoke this morning, I felt achy, but the pain was gone. I went for a slow 2.5 miles.  A miracle! I had the best run I've had in months.

I understand the importance of rest, but I try to ignore it.

Mule deer intuitively know the importance of rest.

     Sometimes I see rest as a waste of time. I miss training and can't wait to get stronger. However, rest is crucial to success. If I listen to my body, it can heal and grow stronger. When I was in my twenties, I ran through pain all the time.  In my fifties, I simply don't have the resilience to push through pain. My need to rest is actually teaching me volumes.
     Modern life is chaotic. Everyone is busy. If we purposely put the brakes on activity and set aside time for quiet, the quality of life changes. New yoga students want to rush from pose to pose. Seasoned practitioners know that how you transition from pose to pose matters. The quality of your transition effects your health in between and your alignment in succeeding poses. It took me awhile to realize this, but my life is like this.
     When my husband lost his job, I was rushing from activity to activity. I was exhausted and there was little fruit to my labor. I didn't solve a thing. Finally we both slowed down and realized that this was a time for us to focus on our son and not our egos or careers. Miraculously, my husband found contract work and a meaningful part time job. Our worries are not gone, but we are relaxed and calm.
    If you are always rushing, if every time slot is scheduled, when can you hear God's words to your heart? You can't.  Carve out a space in your day for quiet. Rest in His presence. You can mull over a dilemma, read an inspirational book, look up something in the Bible, run or simply sit in nature. Transitions prepare you for your next destination.
     When you take a break from physical training your muscles build and rest. When you take a break from worldly concerns, your spirit builds and refreshes. Matthew 11:28-29 reminds me "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." When I am calm, I can hear the still, small voice. I am open to possibilities, and even, miracles. Be blessed.