As we prepared for our long trip to attend graduation ceremonies and to spend time with family, I knew that my husband was also planning where we could stop to rest. Per a medical directive and because of my single kidney, I can only travel three hours maximum without taking a break to walk around and use the facilities. So, our trips have included “mandatory” rest stops for the last five years or so. Those rest stops interrupt our journey but they also refresh us. Our bones creak and moan as we first get out of the car, but as we walk more, we get more limber and the pain we were feeling eases off. Rest stops restore our ability to function in the car and continue the trip.

We need rest stops in life, too. I think of church meeting as one such rest stop. The majority of the time, it is the Sunday service . But it also includes Monday night Bible study, the monthly women’s fellowship meetings and the annual gathering of women from several different area churches. All of these provide nourishment for my soul and a break from the routines and challenges of daily life. We get to encourage other believers just as they encourage us.

Another rest stop in life is the daily devotional that should be a joyful habit. Each day, once I have finished my morning meds and ablutions, I head to my chair and open my Bible for my time with God. Sometimes, I hear a chorus or hymn in my head and search it out online to remind myself of the word and to enjoy the worship time. Sometimes, I look out the window at the flowers and birds as I offer praise to God and reflect on His goodness. Every day with God is a rest stop in my life, a much needed respite from the demands of the day and a time to get closer to the Creator who wants to get closer to me.

I hope each of you has a rest stop every day of your life. Our bodies need more than food and sleep. Our souls crave time with God and it should be our priority time, not our leftovers. That isn’t to say you must do your devotional first thing in the morning. You should pick a time that works for you and schedule it, just as you schedule medical appointments. You keep those appointments because you know how important it is for the doctors to check you regularly. Keeping a daily appointment with God is important for you to get a check up with God. He already knows how you are doing, but He wants you to know that He cares and is there for you whenever you need Him. Establishing time with Him daily builds that very important relationship with Him. I have found that first thing in the morning each day works for me. If I wait later, my husband is up and about and talking to me so I can’t focus on God alone. The evening doesn’t work for me because I get tired and tend to fall asleep instead of pray. So, early A.M works for me. I encourage you to find a time that works for you, but don’t be legalistic about it and get into a tailspin because you miss your time one day. Just keep plugging along and spending time with God. He will be there whenever you show up, ready to listen and love. Take a rest stop with God and allow Him to restore your soul and refresh you.