R.I.P. Rest In Peace

R.I.P, stand for Rest in Peace. A common term used for a person that has passed away from this life. It denotes two things for us still living; one that there is no peace and two that there is no rest. And because of the urgent that is tyrannical we live as if this is true. Phrases like “no rest for the weary” come into view and I begin to live as if rest is nothing more than the time my head finally hits the pillow.

But rest is much more than this. Rest is about recreating in your life that which has been depleted. It’s about discovery and diving deeper. It’s about taking your time and experiencing joy that is often hidden. It’s about being active! What active? Yep, resting is not about being lazy or doing nothing, proper rest includes some activity.

John Lubbock said “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time”

Proper rest includes some type of action, but usually it’s applied at a different pace. The pace we currently live at today is amazing. A single page of the New York Times contains more information than a 1920 American would see in an entire year! All of this makes us think that rest and peace are not attainable.

I have found that living in the 21^st century this seems to be true, but in the middle of the mess I found that rest. I found it in a man named Jesus Christ. I never expected to find rest in what seemed to just be another man-made religion. Jesus’ life listed in Scripture has taught me how live as God intended mankind to live. I have found promises that have sheltered me from storms and strength beyond my understanding. By the way, I found that rest and peace too.

A relationship with God brings so much more than it takes away, it’s the best transaction a person could make, so why don’t more people take Jesus up on His offer of living an abundant life?

I think it’s because we fall short in trying to do things on our own. Give it a try today, give over your busy life to God through His son Jesus and enter His rest.

(Hebrews 4:1-2) “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it…”

Rushing

So when I look back on this life after being alive for almost 40 years I have noticed that I sure go a lot. Now I am not talking about that “go” but the perpetual progression to always look for “what’s next”. We go, go, go until we are gone; gone physically, mentally, and finally spiritually. We burn on both ends each of those in that order.

And when we finally reach our end we are spent in more ways than one. Let me just tell you flat out that we were not created this way. We were not created to be “always on” as many in our modern culture would espouse. God created us to Work and then REST and let me just say that is what we WILL do. Because if we don’t figure out what it means to rest we will be forced to rest by things like a little bitty virus or that sun going down. (BTW those are warning signs)

So our creator did this:

(Genesis 2:2) “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”

A God who does not need to rest, rested. Funny cause we humans who need to rest, don’t rest! Hummm…. So if you want to watch the first installment in this message series called “FASTFORWARD” click here.

Here are a few things I told you I would continue in my blog this week to took to but in priority so that you will experience more rest in life. (Thanks to AllPro Dad for the source)

1. Family First

Possibly the most common regret at the end of a life is, “I didn’t spend enough time with my family.” When we’re young, we are so eager to start our grown-up lives that we neglect our parents. When we’re adults in the midst of building the life we imagined, we neglect our wife and kids. What’s left at the end of that life is a sad and lonely person. Your family comes first—always. Cherish your wife. Never stop earning her love and devotion. Adore your children and spend every second you can with them.

2. Faith

Life has a far greater purpose beyond our human knowledge. “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Faith gives you the inner peace in knowing that all is not in vain. Your life matters greatly. Our time on earth is but a blink of the eye in comparison to eternity. Faith in something greater than you = zero regret.

3. Color Outside The Lines

As soon as our life begins, society creates boxes within which we’re supposed to live. Order is certainly vital to a prosperous people. There are lines a decent human being should never cross. On the other hand, there are times when you HAVE to cross some cultural lines if joy is to ever going to find its way into our hearts. Dare to color your life outside of pre-determined boxes. Step out of comfort zones. As the saying goes, dance as if nobody is looking.

4. The Power Of Vision

The big picture. Our actions always have consequences, and those can be both positive and negative. A wise man has the ability to visualize outcomes before they occur. Never make decisions from a self-centered perspective. They will often grant you short-term gain, but create long-term damage to you and everyone around you. Always hedge your bets towards what is the wise thing to do. You will have much fewer regrets.

5. Use Your Gifts

Every human being has a unique set of gifts designed to complement and enhance this creation. Sadly, many people never realize what makes them special. Your abilities might bring you wealth, or it’s possible that they’ll never earn you a single dime. Either way, that isn’t the point. The point is to use your gifts to the best of your ability and in the way that they were created. Nurture and aggressively display the gifts that have been loaned to you for the course of your life. Use them to bring glory to the One who gave them to you.

6. Loose Lips Sink Ships

We all have those memories that make us cringe. The times we lost control and our mouths spewed out venom we didn’t know we possessed. When spoken in haste and anger, the words we use have the potential to create heartache and damage. Hasn’t it happened to you? Learn from the horrible memory living within you. Hold your tongue and think before you speak. Do your best to redeem yourself with those you have hurt in the past. Your soul will rest much easier at night.

7. Take Care Of Yourself

We often take our health for granted. It usually takes a major scare to open us up to a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes the warning never comes. We’ve all got that friend or family member that shocked us by dying too soon. No one is guaranteed to live to a ripe old age. However we can help ourselves by taking care of our bodies and minds. Commonsense and moderation are usually the keys to successful physical and mental health.

8. The Bucket List

We all have dreams and aspirations. Create a list of the things you wish to accomplish in this life. Some will be easy and some difficult, but none are impossible. Document these moments and live every second of them to the fullest.

9. Random Kindness

When we spread joy our souls glow bright and beautiful. Our spiritual well-being is critical to peace in our heart. Stand up for the person who stands alone. Offer a smile to the person who only faces scorn. Extend a helping hand to the person who has only been shoved down. Who will God send? Every single day say “God, send me.”

10. Forgiveness

Release the hurt that lies within you. Grudges you continue to carry will only leave you jaded and loaded with bitterness. This type of person is no longer able to see the good in the world. Joy escapes them. Forgive those who have hurt you and let that pain go. Seek forgiveness from those you’ve wronged. In the end, life boils down to forgiveness. Nothing else matters.