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FIRST-PERSON: Rest on purpose


INDIANAPOLIS (BP) — The weather turns a bit cooler. The leaves turn colors. All of the ads and commercials depict a picture of cozy homes with smiley people holding cups of pumpkin spice something in a mug.

I don’t know about you, but this does not look like my home this time of year.

Ours looks more like a family desperately trying to keep up with school activities, homework, work deadlines, church retreats, piles of laundry, sickness and the looming financial challenge of the holiday season coming soon.

In Psalm 46:10, God tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Stillness — that sounds to me like a far off dream this time of year.

Does your family take time to really rest in the midst of chaotic times in life? Here are some fresh ideas to help you choose to be still:

Take time to pray together. No matter what your family looks like, taking time (even just a few minutes) to sit down and focus and pray together is one of the greatest ways to still your hearts before God together.

Plan family nights. Evenings (or Saturdays) together where you just do something fun together. Go to a playground, take a walk, drive to the next town and explore — get away from normal life even if for just an hour or two and enjoy each other.

Get control of your calendar. Don’t let your calendar control you. Schedule in space to have family devotionals together, take a family bike ride, watch a sunset, or do a project.

Serve someone else. Few things bring you closer together than this. Volunteer at a local organization, ask your pastor for a project your family can do to serve at your church, rake your neighbors’ leaves, take a pack of diapers and wipes to a family with little ones.

Real rest comes when you’re in the midst of the will of God doing what He is showing you to do. Even though many of these are “doing something,” you will find rest as you seek God for expected or unconventional ways to rest in Him.

    About the Author

  • Autumn Wall

    Autumn Wall, online at www.autumnwall.com, is an author, speaker, worship leader, pastor’s wife and mom of three in Indianapolis. She is the co-author of “Across the Street and Around the World” (New Hope Publishers).

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