A Time of Refreshing

My best ideas come while washing the dishes.

It’s true. I’ve discovered that whenever I’m stuck with a plot line—or stuck on just about anything—a bit of brainless dishwashing
always helps. Seriously, it’s amazing, and almost always works out the kinks.

This past year has been a bit of a blur as I’ve worked to keep up with deadlines. And while I’m incredibly thankful for writing contracts, sitting down and writing can be tough with homeschooling obligations, ministry, and a slew of company.

And here’s my confession. I’m not great at taking my Sabbath rest. But the older I get the more I realize how important it is. Our brains need a bit of time off doing nothing. There are even a few medical reasons to take that Sabbath rest.

Just for starters it can slow your heart rate. Lower blood pressure. Lower fatigue. Improve concentration and mood. Protect your heart. Help your immune system. Boost your memory. . .You get the picture.

King David understood the importance of rest and spending time with God, and Psalm 23 is such a beautiful reminder of that.

The Lord is my shepherd; 

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; 

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

I love those verses.

They remind me when I’m running too fast and too hard that He is all that I need. That when I’m worn out and exhausted, I should be taking the time to let Him lead me to that quite place. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be washing the dishes. But time away with Him in a quite place, a chance to catch your breath and remember what’s really important in life is essential.

That’s how He created us!

What about you? How do you relax? What do you do that energizes you? What gets your juices and inspiration back on track?

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LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over twelve years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website.