Rest, Run, Repeat

I'm happy to say that my back is improving, and I'm having fewer episodes of intense pain and restriction. It's a relief, let me tell you! However, according to my osteopath, I still have a lot of healing to do. Oddly enough, his instructions to me at the end of each visit are the same: "Move more and get more rest."

Is it just me, or do those two instructions contradict each other? If I move more, I'm not resting, and if I rest more, I'm not moving. It's like telling someone to eat more cake and lose weight simultaneously! (FYI, that doesn't work.  I've tried it…multiple times.)

I'll be honest, it's maddening trying to find the right balance of moving and resting. My mind races endlessly: Should I be up and about now? Am I pushing too hard? Is this pain a sign to stop or a hurdle to push through? One minute, I'm shuffling around the house, convinced I need to 'move more,’ and the next, I’m sprawled on the sofa, wracked with guilt over my inactivity. Then the cycle starts again: Am I making the right choice? Will this help or hinder my recovery? It’s a right pickle, and my poor brain feels like it's running a marathon while my body is stuck in quicksand!

But as I pondered this problem, it struck me that I find the same struggle in my spiritual life—finding the perfect balance of moving while resting more. On one hand, we're called to action. Jesus tells us to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). That's a pretty clear instruction to get moving! We must be busy about our Father's business, serving others, spreading the Good News, and living out our faith.

On the other hand, we're also instructed to rest. Jesus Himself says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). We're encouraged to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). It's in these times of rest and quietness that we often hear God's voice most clearly and feel His presence most strongly.

So, how do we balance these seemingly contradictory instructions? The key lies in understanding that spiritual movement and spiritual rest aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, they're complementary.

When we rest in God’s presence, soak in His Word, and spend time in prayer, we’re actually preparing ourselves for movement. We’re refueling, recharging, and realigning ourselves with God’s will. It’s like charging your mobile phone. You can't use it effectively if it's not powered up!

And when we're moving—serving, witnessing, loving others—we're actually living out the rest we've found in Christ. We're not striving in our own strength but moving in the power and peace that comes from resting in Him.

It's a beautiful paradox. The more we rest in God, the more effectively we can move for Him. And the more we move in His will, the more we experience His rest, even in the midst of activity.

So, whether it's managing my physical health or spiritual life, I'm learning that it's not about choosing between movement and rest. It's about finding the right rhythm of both. It's about moving from a place of rest and resting even as we move.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go for a walk... and then have a nap. Doctor's orders, you know!