You Are Allowed to Rest
In a very busy world, it can feel difficult to find true peace and rest. Even as Christians, we find ourselves “doing” our best rather than just “being” with our Savior. During her internship last summer, Presley wrestled with the idea that there is freedom in releasing control to God. She shares, “I had to learn how to be in the present. I’m such a planner to the point of getting anxious about things that might or might not happen. The internship humbled me in a really good way and taught me to move slower.”
Over the summer, interns play a valuable role on staff at HP Pres, but the most important part of their work here is to evaluate their own hearts and relationship with God. For any of us to become healthy leaders, we need to take care of ourselves and prioritize a relationship with Christ over our to-do list. Presley shares, “I learned how important your spiritual life is and your spiritual formation. Seeing the environment here, where people practice what they preach, really rubbed off on me. I feel like I’ve never been closer with God.”
In stillness our attention naturally drifts inward. We’re forced to look at ourselves rather than avoid or distract from what’s going on in our own hearts. We turn over conversations in our minds, replaying how we could have done things differently. It’s undeniably uncomfortable, but in that discomfort, the voice of God breaks through.
Before her internship, Presley moved full speed ahead. Her days were filled with good things, but she couldn’t help but feel burnt out. During her internship, she and the other interns were encouraged to get to know themselves, their strengths and shortcomings, so that they can become the people God has called them to be as adults. She shares, “I had to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It really helped me to take a step back and view my own faith differently.”
While interning at HP Pres, young people are often at the starting line of their future. They have graduated high school and have their whole lives ahead of them. This reminder is for all of us, but especially those just getting started: You are allowed to rest. You may be surprised how God speaks to you in the still and quiet moments.
