By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Do you feel guilty about taking a break to rest and relax? Sometimes I fall into that pit. My thoughts tell me stepping back from the day-to-day stress is wrong, as though life will ding me for not keeping to my schedule. Should we take time to be free from our obligations and responsibilities? Enjoy a favorite pastime? Or breathe fresh, uninterrupted air without the dread of guilt?

10 Reasons to Rest and Relax

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I understand the need to rejuvenate, but when and what is the balance?

What if we’re labeled as lazy? We know what the Bible says about being lazy. Hint: not good.

The practice of creating margin or room in our busyness is biblically based. Here are Bible Verses that guide us to rest.

Creating time to rest doesn’t mean we’re lazy. We take a break so we can be our best for others and in activities to make a difference. An absence of someone clamoring for our attention is an opportunity to clear our heads and choose what is important. If we don’t schedule regular rest, our lives resemble hamsters running on a wheel and getting nowhere. Physically exhausted. Mentally depleted. Spiritually drained.

You may have heard the quote sometimes attributed to Canadian Joyce Sunada. “If you don’t take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness.”

I’ve been there and still fall into that trap. But this is what I’ve learned about the benefits of rest and how it helps us be more deliberate in our daily routines.

Beautifying: We minimize tired bags under our eyes and a worn-out disposition to match.
Creative: Our imaginations kick down the walls of opposition so we can engage in various art forms—dance, math, cooking, painting, writing, gardening, and the list goes on.
Energetic: We’re ready to tackle the most difficult of important tasks.
Focused: We can zoom in on an issue with problem-solving skills.
Grace-filled: Our spiritual life allows us to love others and ourselves as God purposed. It also improves our patience level.
Happier: Laughter comes easier when the burdens of life are lifted.
Healthier: Our bodies need time to repair and build up immunities. We feel better because we’re taking care of ourselves.
Inspired: We are motivated and able to motivate others to fulfill their God-given purpose.
Optimistic: Our attitudes soar when our bodies and minds are at rest. We look forward to the day instead of dreading it.
Smarter: We can concentrate and use our brains as originally intended.

How do you carve out rest in your life?

STORYFEST READER RETREAT

I would love to meet you in person at this year’s Storyfest – A reader retreat where you can meet and mingle with some of your favorite Christian Fiction authors.

Keep reading to learn more.

How Much Do We Love Readers?

“Couldn’t do what we do without them!”
“How much do we love readers? Let us count the ways. What comes after trillion?”
“Readers are on our minds before we even write the first word of a new novel.”
“Nothing is as rewarding as meeting and chatting about books with readers.”

The 2022 inaugural STORYFEST Reader Retreat was such a hit that we’re celebrating readers again with our 2023 ACFW STORYFEST READER RETREAT! When hundreds of authors gather for their annual American Christian Fiction Writers, ACFW, conference in August, readers are invited to participate in their own event on the same premises.

Held at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, the August 24-26, 2023 STORYFEST will again present a full program of meet & greet or meals with authors, casual conversation, games, panels, swag bags of story-related treasures, and the opportunity to hear from the heart of readers’ favorite authors.

Per reader requests, the ACFW STORYFEST team is also including reader-only workshops to help answer reader questions and gain reader feedback. And the ACFW bookstore will be open to readers even more hours this year. Last year’s attendees recommend bringing extra luggage for the book and swag haul.

After last year, STORYFEST attendees said, “I’m returning in 2023 and bringing my entire book club.” “We’re making it a girlfriends weekend.” “My sisters and I are all readers. What better reunion vacation than one focused on books?”

As you explore the STORYFEST web page, take note that for an additional cost, you can also choose to attend the ACFW GALA on Saturday night, an elegant event that honors the best unpublished projects (Genesis winners) and the best of Christian fiction Carol Award winners for 2023, among other honors. Past attendees say, “I wouldn’t have wanted to miss that highlight!”