Rest and Restore: Why Your Body and Soul Need a Sabbath

October is the reason when creation begins to slow down. The leaves don't fight to stay green, they gracefully let it go. The days shorten and nature whispers, "it's time to rest." But here we are, hustling and scrolling, overcommitting, saying yes when we know we need to say no. Burnout isn't just knocking at the door, it's sitting on the couch waiting for us to collapse.

So, I write this as a reminder. Rest isn't weak. Rest isn't lazy. Rest is Holy. Period.

From the very beginning, God modeled rest for us. On the seventh day, He didn't collapse from exhaustion - He sat back and said, "it is good". So why do we act like rest is a luxury instead of a command? Because we've been taught that productivity equals worth. That is we're not grinding, we're not valuable. But rest isn't optional, it's obedience. And obedience brings blessings.

When we ignore rest, our body will tell on us:

• Brain fog when you're trying to pray
• Irritability with people you love most
• Skin breaking out, hair shedding and/or body aching

Those are signs of your temple sending an SOS for some TLC, or as we call it - sacred self care. And just in case your forgot, God did not design us to run on empty.

• You know I cannot go without giving you a few ways to step into rest this month. 
• Block a day (or half day) weekly. Protect it, No errands, no guilt.
• Create a bed time ritual. Journal, pray, moisturize, and breath deep.
• Honor your no. Rest required boundaries - do not apologize for protecting your peace.
• Do one restorative thing daily. A nap, a bath, a walk. 

Prayerfully, you get the picture. Rest isn't selfish, it's sacred. And when you rest, you restore not just your body, but your spirit. So this month, give yourself permission to Sabbath...and to her from Abba. You'll glow brighter because of it.