Do I really want rest?
I’ve been reading a book about battling weariness and busyness so I can review it for HarperCollins. The only problem is that I had trouble finding the time to read it.
I want more time. I want more rest and relaxation. I want less stress, more vacation. Less craziness, more balance. Less anxiety, more peace. Less perfectionism, more grace.
Who doesn’t?
But do I want them enough to alter my life??Vicki Courtney, whose books I read years ago and moderately liked, has written a new book called Rest Assured to address the issue of out-of-control busyness in our personal and spiritual lives. She doesn’t really say anything I don’t already know, but that’s okay, because balance is a lesson slowly learned. She calls this “a recovery plan for weary souls.” To me, it’s more of a reminder than a plan, but that is half the battle: feeling convicted that the enemy of our rest is not our society; it’s me–it’s my all-consuming, ego-maniacal urge to control my own destiny with self-important pursuits and accomplishments, even under the guise of serving the Lord.
The book is divided into 2 parts: Enemies of Rest (busyness, pursuit of happiness, information overload, and worry) and Redeeming Rest (priorities, solitude, leisure, and generosity). In the second section, Courtney offers a lot of practical advice and suggestions for implementing change.
It’s a worthy read. But more importantly, it’s a worthy study.
Do you really want rest from your out-of-control life? What are you willing to trade for it?
- perfectionism
- control
- success (by the world’s standards)
- activities
This is the list to cut. Just to warn you–it’s gonna hurt a little. But the pay-off is . . . aah! I’m picturing it now.
Just as soon as I finish all my writing projects . . .
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
