Get In The Bed!

The Check In #3 | Life Through the Lens of Scripture

Samone Johnson | Founder, Rapha Restored

Listen... I'm going to need somebody to tell me to GET IN THE BED! 😂 Not necessarily because I'm sleepy, but because apparently I've convinced myself that every waking moment needs to be productive. There's always something to write, clean, plan, or finish. Even when I finally sit down, my brain is running through tomorrow's responsibilities like somebody left 47 browser tabs open in my brain. Can somebody PLEASE close a few of these tabs?! I know how to work hard. I know how to push through, but lately, I've been asking myself something. Do I know how to rest without feeling guilty about it?

When Rest Starts Feeling Like Laziness

I love being productive. Writing, studying Scripture, working on my books, spending time with family, and building Rapha Restored genuinely bring me joy. Yet somewhere along the way, I started treating productivity like a daily requirement. If I didn't write something, finish a project, or check enough things off my list, I felt like I'd wasted the day. Never mind that I worked a full-time job all week and handled approximately 900 other responsibilities!

Nope! My brain wants to know why I didn't write another chapter, organize my bookshelf, and figure out how to become a multi-millionaire before bedtime. 😂 The truth is, sometimes I'm not physically exhausted. I'm mentally exhausted. I need to stop thinking about everything I haven't accomplished and stop preparing for Monday while I'm still trying to enjoy Saturday. I'm learning that rest isn't something I have to earn by exhausting myself first.

Even God Established a Pattern of Rest

Genesis 2:2–3 tells us that God rested on the seventh day after completing creation. Now, Yahweh wasn't tired. He didn't need a nap after creating the universe! 😂 His rest marked the completion of His work, and He blessed and sanctified the seventh day. Later, in Exodus 20:8–11, Israel was commanded to observe the Sabbath, reflecting that pattern of creation.

While Christians differ on how the Sabbath command applies today, Scripture certainly doesn't present endless work as the ultimate goal of life. God created us with limitations. We need sleep, nourishment, and time away from our responsibilities. Sometimes we need to stop acting like the entire world will collapse if we don't accomplish one more thing. Let's be honest, the laundry will still be there tomorrow... and the next day messin' with me... Unfortunately! 😂

Sometimes You Need to Sit Down Somewhere!

In Mark 6:30–32, the apostles returned to Jesus after their ministry work. There was so much activity around them that they didn't even have time to eat. Jesus invited them to come away to a secluded place and rest for a while. Now THAT is an invitation I can appreciate!

Jesus recognized their need to step away. Their responsibilities were important, but so was their need for rest, and that got me thinking. Do I really need to squeeze another project into my weekend? Or do I need to give my mind permission to be quiet? There's a difference between being disciplined and being unable to stop, and your girl is learning the difference!

Snacks, a Good Show, and Absolutely No Guilt

Let me tell you what rest looks like for me. It's getting comfortable, grabbing my snacks (ya'll know we don't play about our snacks), and watching a good show with my hubby. It's the two of us, laughing at something ridiculous on television, offering commentary nobody asked for, creating inside jokes, and enjoying our time together.

Sometimes it's curling up with a good book. Not something I'm studying or researching. Just a story I can get lost in, and sometimes it's doing absolutely NOTHING! No productivity goals. No elaborate plans. Just me, my blanket, and the realization that I don't have to accomplish something every day to justify my existence. Can I get an amen?! 😂

Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 reminds us that enjoying life and finding satisfaction in our labor are gifts from God. We can work faithfully while also appreciating the simple blessings Yahweh has given us. I can enjoy the life God has given me while I'm still working toward the life I'm hoping to build. And that, my friends, is something I'm learning to embrace.

Before You Go...

Maybe you're like me. Your body is sitting still, but your mind is running through everything you need to accomplish. Maybe you feel guilty taking a break because there's always something else you could be doing. Being responsible doesn't mean being available to every responsibility every minute of the day. You can be faithful and still need rest. You can be ambitious and still enjoy an evening doing absolutely nothing.

So finish what genuinely needs your attention, make a reasonable plan for what's next, and give yourself permission to stop. Read your book. Watch your show. Spend time with your family. Get your snacks! And when it's time? GET IN THE BED! 😂❤️ The work will be waiting when you return.

The Check In Takeaway: Rest isn't laziness, and your worth isn't determined by how much you accomplish. Work faithfully, enjoy God's gifts, and remember that you don't have to earn the right to rest.

Scripture to Reflect On: Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 6:30–32; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13

Until the next check in, you have my love and prayers.

Samone

Founder, Rapha Restored