By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Do you ever feel guilty about taking a break to rest and relax? I do. Sometimes I fall into that pit where my thoughts whisper that stepping away from my responsibilities is wrong—as though life will ding me for not keeping to my schedule.
But should we take time to be free from obligations? To enjoy a favorite pastime? To breathe fresh, uninterrupted air without the weight of guilt?
I understand the need to rejuvenate—but where is the balance?
What if we’re labeled as lazy? Scripture speaks clearly about laziness—and yes, it’s not good. But is rest the same thing?
The practice of creating margin—room in our busyness—is biblically grounded. God Himself modeled rest. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that rest is not weakness; it is obedience.
Creating time to rest doesn’t mean we’re lazy. We step away so we can be our best—for others and for the work God has called us to do. When the noise fades and no one clamors for our attention, we gain clarity about what truly matters.
Without intentional rest, life begins to resemble a hamster wheel—constant motion with little progress. We become physically exhausted, mentally depleted, and spiritually drained.
You may have heard the quote often attributed to 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 at times, I still drift back into that trap. But here’s what I’ve learned about the benefits of rest and how it shapes our daily lives:
- Beautifying – Rest softens more than tired eyes; it renews our entire countenance.
- Creative – Our imaginations break through barriers, freeing us to engage in art, writing, cooking, gardening, and more.
- Energetic – We regain the strength to tackle what truly matters.
- Focused – Clear thinking sharpens our problem-solving abilities.
- Grace-filled – Rest deepens our spiritual lives, allowing us to love others—and ourselves—with patience and purpose.
- Happier – Joy rises more easily when burdens are lifted.
- Healthier – Our bodies repair, restore, and strengthen.
- Inspired – We’re motivated—and able to motivate others toward their God-given purpose.
- Optimistic – A rested mind looks forward with hope instead of dread.
- Sharpened – We think more clearly and use our minds as God intended.
Rest isn’t a retreat from purpose—it’s preparation for it.
So let me ask you:
How are you creating margin for rest in your life?
This is such an important point Mrs. DiAnn and I’m feeling the need for it very much today. Thank you for addressing it.
As my sister and I deal with obligations of caring for our Dad who is declining quickly, we feel pushed beyond our limits. So, during this difficult last month, we have both been trying and supporting each other to keep some balance with our sleeping, eating and time of rejuvenating.
We have slipped in mini-moments, a walk, a fun movie, a nice dinner or scoop of ice cream, a visit to a coffee shop, 2 hrs. at an art festival, a short jewelry making class. It has only been hours here and there but so refreshing. I know God has given us strength and the mini-moments have given us the benefits you listed above.
It’s so easy to do and easier to forget. Thanks again.
Smiles, BRC
Beth Rayann Corder
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Beth, I’m so glad you and your sister are working together in caring for your dad and helping each other. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you DiAnn I really needed to read that. I needed the reminder.
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Sandra, we all need that reminder! Thank you!
I really need to find rest times.
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Elizabeth, the rest is good for your body and soul. Without it, we are not our best.
This is a well-timed post for me to read because this year, I don’t feel like my time is my own. No matter what commitments I make, even those that bring me joy, it seems like I have to cancel them in order to tend someone else’s needs. I’m definitely trying to figure out how to create my own space again. This helps.
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Kristine, we are poster children for this. I meet myself coming and going – rest required. I’ll pray for you!
I can so relate to Mrs. DiAnn’s post & your comment right now.
It is tough, but if you keep trying, you will find creative mini-moments just for you even during the daily distractions.
Hope you find special moments for yourself soon.
🌸Smiles, BRC
You are spot-on with this post, DiAnn. Oh, how we tend to feel guilty over taking a break from responsibilities to rest and rejuvenate. We must move forward, enjoy the sunshine, walk through the park, or enjoy dinner with friends. These times of refreshing leave us with no regrets.
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Hi Loretta, I responded to this but now it’s gone! I love the no regrets part. We need rest to be our best!
As a recovering perfectionist, this is a topic I struggled with for years. Nowadays, I challenge myself to…leave that dirty glass in the sink until morning without feeling guilty. And you don’t have to sweep AND mop before your sister comes to visit. Things like that. I now kick off my shoes and relax in the evening only to wonder the following morning where I left them. It’s then I smile at my progress after an enjoyable evening.
Gloria, I love your philosophy. I keep telling myself to turn off the work and dial in to rest.
DiAnn,
I recommend the book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It addresses our tendency to go, go, go!
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Thanks, Tim, I’m looking into the book now. And your story is outstanding. Just about finished.
Thank you, DiAnn, for this timely reminder.
As the daughter of two workaholics, I often forget the value of rest. Taking care of my property and home, working full-time as a building-based high school substitute, writing, and finally committing to figuring out how to market my books, I find myself frequently exhausted. Deciding what to do next is a real challenge.
My only answer is to put God first in the morning and trust Him to direct my steps throughout the day. The older I get the more I want to make sure that I am being intentional about my time. It helps to remind myself that people are more important than tasks.
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Laura, you’ve blessed us with a devotion. I really like: “My only answer is to put God first in the morning and trust Him to direct my steps throughout the day. The older I get the more I want to make sure that I am being intentional about my time. It helps to remind myself that people are more important than tasks.”
Amen and Amen.
I embrace time to rest and since retirement it is appreciated.
For years family, work, friends, home and yard work took me away from me. Who has time for “me time “ with so many responsibilities. I still love my family and home, but if I can’t truly be present- then we all lose.
Rest, reflect and rejoice.
Thanks for the reminder DiAnn.
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Joyce, I really value rest, reflect, and rejoice.
Amen and Amen.
I embrace time to rest and since retirement it is appreciated.
For years family, work, friends, home and yard work took me away from me. Who has time for “me time “ with so many responsibilities. I still love my family and home, but if I can’t truly be present- then we all lose.
Rest, reflect and rejoice.
Thanks for the reminder DiAnn.
Yes, DiAnn, guilt can plague me if I feel like I am doing nothing. But Jesus implored His disciples to come away and rest. Rest does benefit us as your list clarifies. If the Son of God rested to rejuvenate His mind and body, how much more do we need to?
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Barbara, if Jesus can sleep through a storm, we can rest!
Rest is so important, but very easy to neglect. When all of our 8 children were home, it was almost impossible to rest. We learned that taking the whole family camping gave everyone a time and place to rest.
Now the children are grown and out of the house. It is just my husband and me. I still find my best rest away from home. At home there are still visible things vying for my attention
Hmmm….”Bsar Rest” sounds like a great title for book. I’d better go write that down before I rest!
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Cindy, you’d better write it! Our children forget to rest too!
I love this, DiAnn! Another author friend and I have been doing devotions on rest together. As we get older, we find rest more needed than ever. Thank you so much for this poignant reminder.
Rest up, my friend! 🙂
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Dianne, rest for the weary writer sounds like a good title!
Thank you for this perfect reminder. I’ve been thinking I’m so lazy. I recently retired from my corporate job and really wanted to dive into so many things, however, all my mind and body wants to do is rest.
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Debbie Gail, rest first then dive into all those projects!
This is so good, DiAnn! Thank you for your thoughtful posts
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Thank you, Adriane. Rest is critical to do God’s work.
Sorry about two comments. I kept getting a comment saying something was repeated and it wouldn’t allow me to submit. I tried shortening the post. Now I have two post up there. 🙃 Feel free to delete one and this one. . .if it posts.
It’s springtime in Minnesota! Perennials shoot up overnight, trees bud before your eyes (almost.) I take some time each day to tour God’s beautiful creation.
How pleasant it is to spend Sundays at rest. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.” Exodus 20:8,9
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Thank you, Ginny for your sweet reminder of how and why we should rest.
I create rest when I swing on my back porch while my dog soaks up the sunshine in the grass. Thank You, Lord🙏
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Hi Judith, I think I’m right there with you.
I’ve learned to listen and obey my body. Sometimes the immediate call to stop and rest is difficult or inconvenient. For example, in the middle of cooking a meal, or walking in a store. However, because of some medical issues, if I don’t listen rather quickly, my body will respond by fainting. And that is no fun. So pride must go before a fall, literally! Lol It’s all about balance. All of the things you wrote about above are perfect for taking the time to rest! Rest is a gift. Thanks for sharing these, DiAnn.
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Thank you so much, Barb. I’ve learned the hard way that rest – power naps – are the best way to keep me energized.
I’ve learned to listen and obey my body. Sometimes the immediate call to stop and rest is difficult or inconvenient. For example, in the middle of cooking a meal, or walking in a store. However, because of some medical issues, if I don’t listen rather quickly, my body will respond by fainting. And that is no fun. So pride must go before a fall, literally! Lol So work when I can, rest when I need it. It’s all about balance. All of the things you wrote about above are perfect for taking the time to rest! Rest is a gift. Thanks for sharing these, DiAnn.
Rest is important. Jesus took time to rest. Quiet time is needed for the health of body, mind, and soul. 🙂
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Thanks, Melissa. If Jesus found it necessary to rest, then we must too.