Matthew 11:28-30  
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (MSG)

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Do you Rest from Your Work, or Work from Your Rest?
Do you rest from your work? Or, do you work from your rest? If work continually makes you stressed, you need to work with Jesus and get your rest. 

My Apple Watch greeted me with the happy news this morning. I have met my sleep goal three out of the last four days. It’s amazing how much smarter and more capable I am when working from a place of rest rather than resting from my work. Better work tomorrow begins with better sleep tonight. 

A man who leads a team of eighty remote workers and whose product is used by millions of people around the world focuses as much on rest as on work. Before he and his bride had children, this meant going to bed on time and getting up on time. Now with two small children, this means getting a nap as often as necessary. 

Do Less but Better
Elite musicians and athletes alike get more rest than the average guy or gal. Do a quick internet search for “necessity of rest” and spend a little time on this holiday pondering the benefits of sleep. It is possible for you to make a fifty percent improvement in your physical, intellectual, and emotional capacities by Christmas if you get enough rest as a rule rather than as a special occasion.

Whose idea was it to rest more and to do less but better? Take a look at Genesis 1 and notice how each day begins with rest, not work. “There was evening and morning, the first day, . . .” Listen to Jesus in the verses above. 

Less but better is the optimum way. Les McKeowyn’s books Essentialism and Effortless provide wise guidance. 

Tomorrow is a busy day of meetings and travel followed by more meetings and travel. The hotel is set in a quiet area. Even so, I am taking earplugs. The hotel may be quiet, but my neighbors may not. 

* How are you planning for more than adequate rest this week? 
* What will you do differently day by day? 
* How will you do less but better?

Our Father, teach us to rest. Bless us with unforced rhythms of grace at home, at work, and at play. Empower us to do less but better. Amen.