The doctor I see for my acupuncture treatments said, “It’s 30% treatment and 70% rest. You need to rest more.”
Rest more. This was the first medical professional who said I needed to rest. Less strenuous exercise. Less work time. More rest.
It takes a while to stop spinning from a productive work ethic to more intentional rest. Like a tire with loosened lug nuts, the working wheel spins faster around its axis. The slowing down requires a mind shift to be intentionally still. Leaving my office, listening for God, or just sitting in the sunshine. Time to reboot.
How can the transition be handled in a way that is healthy — for the body, soul, and spirit? How does one move from excessive productivity to recovery?
I have been in this position before, but never at this level of intensity and never such a necessity. I found myself sinking into the unknown while grasping for the best Source of wisdom I know. My usual methods of resting were a meager force. Giant question marks shadowed my new direction.
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1).
Restoring sleep helps, then daily short breaks. Nutrition that builds up the tissues, although my body screams for chocolate. The temptation to load my freezer with scrumptious blackberry chocolate chip gelato from Target. No, no! Do not yield.
Restorative care involves clearing the mind. To refuse the rewinding of former decisions or past choices that might have led to this treatment. Mistakes admitted, grace given. To find a way to pour that grace over and around myself feels almost selfish — alone in the attempt.
I stretch out on the couch and read a book. Turn on the TV to watch football and yell at the refs. Watch YouTube videos of ‘I Love Lucy.’ These actions require no emotional deposits. No movement of the affected sciatica.
Sit and stare at the autumn leaves, dotted with black and white chickadees hopping in the breeze. Glory in the fractional moment as a red-headed woodpecker perches beside the male cardinal on my deck. Red and black on the background of the browning elm. God’s creation in living color.
I spend more time in prayer, bringing my fatigue and questions to the wise One — begging for the balm of divine healing. Prayer is always a sustenance. Always the best prescription. Then the spiritual practice of deep listening. The incredible voice of the shepherd King and his Psalms wash over me with their curative rhythms: Fret not. Be still and know God. He alone is surely my refuge.
Several years ago I dreamed of a heavenly bedroom. I had been carried there by my guardian angel and was surrounded in the brightest whites: a soft coverlet, giant pillows, and the clearest air. Around me, more angels: tucking me in, stroking my brow, murmuring love. Being cared for. Receiving compassion straight from Abba’s heart. Why I remember the dream now underscores how deeply I need my beloved Divine to show up.
Ultimately, restorative care and the rest required to eliminate stress just takes time. Another waiting period. A day, a week, another day. No guidelines here. In my self-sufficient Type A planning mode, I thought I would be rested after just one week. That would be a “No.”
Another visit for acupuncture. “You’re getting better. Keep resting. Don’t overdo it.”
Isaiah speaks from his prophetic viewpoint, “God will comfort all my waste places. He will make my wilderness like Eden, my desert like a garden. Joy and gladness will be found in me and thanksgiving – the voice of praise.” (Isaiah 51:3).
So I wait and learn the value of rest, trusting in the One who reminds me where hope and its healing originates. God whispers his words to my heart and covers me with his gentle hand.
Shameless Promotion: Pastor Tanner had to learn the value of rest after a trauma in his youth group. Read his story here: The Year of my Redemption.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
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This entire blog post was written by a human being – RJ Thesman. No digital ghost writing or fake creativity allowed.