Chill Out!

Dear Readers, Let's begin our 5-year anniversary with a fun survey! What is your favorite "chill out" activity?

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• Coffee and quiet time
• Shopping
• Outdoor activities or sports
• Reading at the beach/pool

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"He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.” — Benjamin Franklin

For me, the thermostat sweet spot is a frosty 68 degrees. And my FPL bill bears witness. Thankfully, October marks the arrival of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing cooler weather, changing leaf colors, and a general sense of cozy feelings. We hold our breath, hoping that the sweltering heat may relent. We trade summer lazy river moments (shoutout Trudy) for hayrides and pumpkin spice lattes.

With the promise of the holidays before us, we are challenged to slow down. But if you are like me, that is easier said than done. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, "Chill out!" when I feel anxious, overwhelmed, or worried. Yet in the Western world, relaxation feels like a guilty pleasure. We run on cortisol, caffeine, and adrenaline. As a teacher in a high performing school, I more easily identify with the word, "Hustle!" Yet God cautions us to come aside and rest.

Burnout is real. And so is the pressure to be all things. To all people. At all times. The constant drain is not sustainable; we must give ourselves permission to unplug so that we can recharge. Boundaries are necessary and (this one is for me) NO is a perfectly acceptable R.S.V.P. What if Sir Isaac Newton had balked at the idea of retreating to the family farm to escape the Great Plague in 1666? What if he had viewed relaxing under an apple tree as a total waste of time? Deep thoughts and inspiration may have never found him; he would have lived a busy life yet died in utter obscurity. I have been reading a minimalism blog, and the content has impacted me. The concept of simplicity challenges our pride because it places quality above quantity. And let's face it... numbers are impressive!

Side rant: Toxic Christianity encourages a busy lifestyle and collects "loyalty dues" instead of preaching a message of grace that calls the weary to rest. Some of the most promising voices in the church have been overused, abused, and snuffed out before their time. God never required them to prove their worth---but religion did! 

When Mary and Martha hosted Jesus for dinner, Martha was indignant because her sister was "chilling out" and leaving her to do the heavy lifting to make the meal perfect. Jesus gently brought a dose of perspective that only one thing was needful. Mary had chosen presence over presentation because the gift of immeasurable value was sitting in the room. Jesus was not impressed by Martha's lengthy checklist! I must admit, this one stings! The original purpose of Sabbath was to disconnect to reconnect. Yet we feel compelled to be available 24/7; is it any wonder that anxiety and mental illness are on the rise?

Whether you loved Charlie Kirk or not, the reality that we live in an assassination culture is enough to bring the best of us to our knees. (Maybe that isn’t a bad thing!) I know what panic attacks feel like, and the negative news has been relentless. Factor in zero down time and frequent sleep deprivation. Sadly, here in the United States, we wear our weariness as a badge of honor.

Jesus stepped away from the crowd to recharge, pray and rest. He also savored long meals and long conversations. Better yet, He slept through a violent storm when the disciples experienced sheer horror and panic. While He "chilled out,” they made it safely to the other side. Because rest is not passive; it is intentional. Mental health breaks must be normalized if we want to survive and thrive.

As we prepare for the clocks to move back and tempt us with an extra hour of sleep this fall, remember this: The most productive people make room for rest, and they carve out time to refocus and rekindle the flame of inspiration. So, chill out so that you can be on fire!

Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Be still, and know that I am God...

Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP)

²⁸ “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”