People always ask how we keep going. How do we go on adventure after adventure over here at Abby Girl HQ? Well here is the big secret. We rest and not just because we feel like it, but because of several excellent reasons. Are you ready to hear why adventurers need rest? Listen closely.
Rest is needed to keep going
People simply need sleep. A human body is simply just not physically made to go and go and go. No amount of double shots of espresso, big gulps (do they still make those at 711?) or power-driven music will keep a body going forever. At some point, each and everybody needs to get some shut-eye AKA rest. It’s even medically proven that every living creature needs sleep.
Let’s even get technical. According to askabiologist.com,
In the end, the scientists concluded that sleep must have some kind of necessary function; otherwise, it would not be universal and it would not be damaging to our health to go without sleep. The next step is to figure out what exactly sleep does.
The scientists think that however sleep affects the body, the major function of sleep is the same in every animal. This means they believe that sleep evolved early because it helps all animals live better lives. The scientists also think that the function of sleep has something to do with the brain because that is the part of the body that is affected most by the lack of sleep.
Other scientific studies about memory help support the idea that sleep is important for the brain by showing that sleep helps us retain more information.
Could we go out on a limb and even say, that God created sleep because it is necessary for all the creatures He created. So go get some zzzz’s!
We rest when we are sick or injured (sometimes)
We are actually horrible at this whole concept. In fact, last week, I got stitches in my back (seven total) from a mole gone bad, and the next day I was out in nature hiking. Can I tell you how much my back hurt after that one? What did my injured body need …? REST.
I ignored a stomach cramping on an adventure a while back. What happened? Well, it resulted in me sweating and holding my stomach in pain. I had forgotten the stomach medicine I usually carry on me during adventures and I was SICK. I kept going and got lucky making it home with seconds to spare. However, I remember about twenty years ago getting sick on a section hike and pushed my body. I ended up sick in a pine forest gripping a tree, crying for mercy. My body needed rest. The adventure will always be there after our bodies heal. But, if they don’t heal properly or not at all, adventuring can be shut down indefinitely.
The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health
We take breaks for clarity of mind
We take breaks to clear the mind. A mind that is busy all the time becomes clouded. This can lead to a lack of focus. We cannot be a strong Christian adventurer with a brain going a million miles a minute. Our brain will just go on auto-pilot and we won’t be able to focus our attention in the correct directions.
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Need to refuel!
A human body is a lot like a car. It needs fuel to keep going. If a car has no fuel then it doesn’t run. We run on two types of fuel. It’s similar to how cars run on different types. The human body needs food and water. However, it also needs spiritual sustenance. So we break to eat grub, rehydrate and also to speak to the Lord, and be still in prayer. It all fuels ours bodies and keeps us going for future adventures. We need to take care of our bodies so rest is best! Besides, I know personally that if I am not sustained, I get cranky. We cannot be Christian Adventurers and be cranky. That’s a total oxi-moron.
Speaking of, have you read our post on how to be a Christian Adventurer?
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies
We just feel like we need rest …
Sometimes we honestly just feel like taking a rest. We don’t want to go anymore. Remember in Forrest Gump when he kept running and running until he said he was tired and going home? Yes, we sometimes do the same. The key to remember is not to rest to the point of being a sloth. Yes, the creature, the sloth rocks. However, true slothfulness does not and is actually sinful. So it’s important to not become lazy. Find the balance.
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger
Proverbs 19:15 ESV
Sometimes we take a break to take it all in
Have you ever rested and just looked around and said, “man, God is awesome. He created all of this for His children to adore.” Every mountain we summit. We rest and take it all in because each view is different and awe-inspiring in its own way. The best part is it’s all created by God. He is the most amazing artist of all time.
Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes
What’s good for God is good for everyone!
God rested. So if He rested, then clearly everyone needs rest too and that includes adventurers.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Final Thoughts on Needing Rest
Rest is necessary for everyone and that includes adventurers. God didn’t make our bodies with the ability to run on auto-pilot and never rest. Whether it’s for sustenance or to simply take it all in, everyone needs to go take a break. So, go put your feet up and take five. The adventure will still be out there when you are done resting.
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