“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:7a

There’s nothing like the beauty of a frosty winter morning. Everything is frozen and still, resting, waiting—waiting for the warmth, waiting for the sun. The frozen vegetation is beautiful and captivating; it’s not striving. It’s simply still.

I’ve never been good at resting. I have ran full-speed ahead since my college days. It’s where I first learned to juggle classes, activities, work in the residents hall and a part-time job. After marriage, I transitioned to the busyness of raising five kids and building healthy churches with my husband. I’ve been in non-stop motion for most of my life. Let’s not get started on the busyness of the Christmas season. I placed unrealistic demands on myself with the shopping, cooking and decorating. The past few years I’ve realized it’s not a healthy way to exist.

Here’s some ways I’ve learned to rest:

1. Schedule time with God each day: It may feel counter intuitive to add one more thing to your busy schedule, but make this a priority because it will reap the most benefits. Daily time of focusing on God brings us peace. The act of sitting down in a comfy place, with a cup of coffee, a Bible and a journal is restful. It says, “God I need you today. Fill me with your Presence. Give me wisdom and grace to handle today.”

2. Learn to say no: Say no to unrealistic expectations, no to perfection, no to activities which aren’t life giving. Say no to solving other peoples problems. We take on burdens that aren’t ours to bear. Say no to needless worrying. Most of the things we worry about never come to fruition. All we’ve done is lose our peace.

3. This Christmas season, do the things which mean the most and let the rest go, even if it’s a tradition. Don’t keep tradition for traditions sake, but rather because it’s meaningful. It’s OK to buy the baked goods, or scale back on the decorating and gift buying. Say no to a gathering if it’s going to leave you exhausted. Create meaningful memories and experiences instead of buying gifts.

4. Pay attention to how your body feels. Tension headache, stiff shoulders, clenched fists are all indicators you need some rest. Take deep breathes or try some stretches before you go to bed.

5. Manage your expectations. Because I’m naturally optimistic and enthusiastic, I expect everything to go well. My husband, “Mr Worse Case Scenario” plans for all possible outcomes. Honestly, things aren’t nearly as perfect as we wish or as horrible as we worry. Most of life falls somewhere in between.

6. Rest is an act of trust. When we rest, we cease striving, planning or worrying. We relax into God’s goodness. Like falling unto a comfy couch, we let His love cradle us. We choose to rest in God’s ability.

Let’s find the beauty in slowing down and resting. Your world will be just a little prettier when you do.