Time Out
I went out of town for the weekend, eager for a get-away, time with friends, and a visit with my son. As I sailed north on the freeway I remembered a sign I had seen in the past. Rest Area Ahead.
I needed a bathroom break and a stretch. My right thigh was cramping and I was feeling a bit blinky-eyed—a sure indicator that it was time to pull over and get refreshed. Suddenly there was the sign. I slid into the exit lane and pulled into an open slot in the parking lot.
I hit the restroom, took a swig of cold water, popped a handful of nuts into my mouth and took a ten-minute nap, then a quick power walk around the rest area before starting again. I was good as new, ready for the next hundred miles.
I decided then to make this a ‘regular’ stop on all my trips north and south. What is the point of rushing, or pushing, or stressing? As I sat behind the driver’s wheel, I also saw how much this simple ‘time-out’ had refreshed my mind and spirit too.
When I think of the word ‘fitness’ or see it in print, I usually associate it with some form of exercise—the more cardiac-oriented the better. But is that the only meaning of the word? I mulled that over a bit. Today I’m more aware than ever of the need to rest…to come to a full stop each day for at least a few minutes, to spend time in nature, with our Creator, with ourselves.
This week let’s consider the importance of ‘time-outs.’ Not the kind for misbehavior (ha ha) but the kind that insures good health.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 NIV)
This is a great reminder to us all….to slow down & rest!
Thanks, Glenda. Soon you and I will be ‘resting and relaxing’ on our Mississippi cruise.
Yes, we do need a “time out”! When my husband and I would take trips to the Smokey Mountains in N.C. we took a lot of ‘time outs’ and it was great. REST/NAPS? Big smile! One advantage of getting old is the ability to take a nap each afternoon. SOOO good to lean back in my recliner and snooze for a couple of hours ~yes, I said a couple of hours~does the mind and the body good. It also helps to have a little kitty or puppy in your lap enjoying the snooze with you.
Keep on “keeping on” Karen and do take time for the rest stops.
Love to you, Margaret
I take a nap each day too–usually when I’m watching the news!!
That’s me too. I work in the Doggie Hotel with 17 small to medium pups for 6 hours. I get a 15 minute break in the morning and a half hour lunch, so there’s not much time to rest. But I’m off now, in the break room resting for about 15 minutes before my 15 minute drive home. I’m almost 76 and any time I can just sit, I cherish it.
I agree, Judi. Every little bit of time out or time off is good for the body, mind, and spirit.
Thanks, Karen. We need to refresh each day and take time to “smell the roses”.
Love,
Roz
Good to hear from you, Roz. I see you are still quilting. I love seeing that. The quilt show should be awesome.
I love your illustration. I used to think I had to get things done first then take a refresher. I.e.clean up the kitchen, get the laundry put away, get to the grocery etc…. Now at 62 years old I finally get it. That stuff will wait. How many times have I heard that. It will wait! In all the busy times in my life, I NEVER believed that its ok to NOT finish something first and THEN take time to rest and give my mind and body a short quick break. It is so EASY to do. And getting it done doesn’t seem as important when you take a time out. Half an hour, 10 minutes even. Sometimes getting old is such a relief! You finally start learning what works and what doesnt … and most of all, what’s important.
Thanks for your wisdom, Kristi. So good to hear from you.
Thanks for that timely advice. Also all the other posts. I am all for time out.
Sometimes I just keep going and that is when I get tired and accidents happen.
Things are dropped and broken. I went through that when I was packing to move.
Jesus took time out…we should follow His example.
I agree. let’s take time and rest as Jesus showed us.
Karen, I love this. As I get older I too feel more need to rest, both my body and my spirit. Good for you taking a power nap to be refreshed for the rest of your trip. This is a great reminder for me too.
Thanks for your support and encouragement, Carol.