Why do we often fall prey to our busy, busy lives?
I often find that my heart is in a perpetual state of anxiety and unrest. Between pursuing Jesus, a degree, and better relationships, I sometimes find myself sitting on my floor, head against the wall, wondering if I am making any progress at all in these essential areas of my life. But this is just how college is, right?
But I admit, some of this unwavering unrest is of my own doing. I overbook myself, yet I can’t be still. My day often begins around 5:30 a.m. when I wake up to work out and I won’t see my bed again until 11:00 p.m. that night. I have tried to take an “easy” semester and only focus on school and minimal work, but the laxness of my schedule depressed me (almost literally). So, I’m either overwhelmed or underwhelmed, but never content.
Apparently, this is a common condition among college students, especially us Type-A guys and gals. We thrive off the business. We love feeling like we are being productive. So, we compact our schedules. We are officers in multiple clubs, captain of two intramural teams, make good grades, go to work, lead discipleship for some middle school students, and volunteer in the community. This is all great stuff, right? This will prepare us for our futures, most definitely.
But what about when you make a poor grade in anatomy? How are we supposed to react when our teammates aren’t putting in the same effort as us? What happens when that twelve-page paper gets deleted the night before the deadline because your computer crashed (talking to you, Toshiba)? As much as we try to control our lives, life is so incredibly uncontrollable. And once you feel like your control has been stripped from you, once life is just wearing you down despite your immense effort, it is also incredibly easy to fall into despair.
Yet, there is always good news. Matthew 6:25-34. It is so easy to read and move on to do exactly what the Lord has commanded you not to do. As a Christian, God has told me not to be anxious — not to fear. This is one of the most difficult commands to obey. Because life is chaotic and messy, especially if you have a restless heart. But the Word conquers chaos because it is good and it is true, even if nothing else is. Take rest in the Lord for He provides for His children.
But what does rest look like?
If you’re like me, then watching eight hours of How I Met Your Mother while eating a tub of double chocolate chunk ice cream does not calm my heart (gasp!). If you’re like me, you may need something a bit more sentimental, such as:
1. Getting creative and inspired.
Turn on Spotify, get a notebook, and just draw/write your thoughts. Sometimes, waking up twenty minutes early, putting on my raggedy old sweater and sitting in the living with Morning Acoustic allows me just a few minutes of peace before I begin the day.
2. On a cool night, make some hot Chai tea and sit outside.
It’s getting colder outside! Grab your favorite hot drink and sit on a porch swing or on your deck. Turn off the lights and look at the sky. It’ll remind you of being a kid—when you were so in awe of the sky and the wonders of this world.
3. Going hiking with some great friends.
I cannot emphasize this enough: surround yourself with loving people and nature. Life goes by quickly—enjoy it.
4. Baking!
Bake cookies, or a cake, or anything else delicious. Just . . . yes.
5. Sitting outside a coffee shop on a cool morning.
Here in Athens, the atmosphere and energy that comes with a new morning is indescribable. Choose a quaint little coffee joint and allow yourself to love your city.
6. Late-night walks or exercise.
“Exercise releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t like being anxious. They just don’t.” ~J. Johns
7. Watching the sunset.
How much more sentimental can you get?
8. Doing a seasonal activity!
Go to a pumpkin patch, play in the snow, etc. Treat yo’ self to that Chai mint latte and a snowball fight.
9. Writing a letter.
Make writing letters cool again.
10. Learning a new skill.
I’m about to take up cross-stitching . . . we’ll see how it goes.
11. Serving others relentlessly and passionately.
When you pour into others, God refills your spirit. Trust Him to serve you just as you serve His children. After all, He is the One who has given you the ability and set in you the drive to do everything you do. And while at times the burden of this restless heart may seem heavy, be assured that His plan is without a doubt perfect and good for you. Embrace your restless heart and give it to God. He is the One who knows it best, after all.
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