Made to Thrive

In regard to rest, Winston Churchill has some wisdom that we can apply to our own lives.

In our entertainment-filled world our minds are always engaged in some activity or thought. Some of us view entertainment as a means toward rest. Entertainment, or amusement (without thinking), seems to be a valid way to rest our minds. Or is it?

Others believe that if one could simply sit still for a while, determined to think upon nothing, they could access rest. However, if one has been worried with something, the moment that one tries to forget the worry, it comes crowding back in if her only diversion is to “think of nothing” – clear the mind. If our minds have been calculating or planning, once we determine to “rest”, we find ourselves again calculating or planning.

Mr. Churchill had a different view of what would constitute rest for both the mind and the body. He believed that we must find a hobby that will engage both our minds and our bodies. He said that we must choose an activity that we enjoy that will take our thoughts away from life. I think the reason he believed that our hands must be included was that then the thought could not be mindless. The thought would have action to keep it on track.

Recently I’ve taken up painting – gouache painting to be more precise. And the exciting thing is that I’ve experienced the type of rest Mr. Churchill is referring to in my pursuit of painting. Both my mind and my hands are made busy with my new endeavor. My creativity is being awakened – joy is deep-settled in my soul – there is an inner peace that comes from that place of creative rest.

I know the Lord led me to begin this “diversion” in this season of my life. I had planned to wait until my children were out of school to paint, but the Lord was specific – “Start now!” And I’m so glad I have. In a season of my life when nothing around me is in my control, I have found a place of quiet rest in painting. I’m grateful to my friend Janice for her time in teaching myself and a few other friends to paint. She has no idea what a ministry she is providing.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Mr. Churchill in regard to having a hobby – “Choose well, choose wisely, choose one.”