The “A” Word

I have a 12-year old son, Noah, who has many gifts, but stunning academic performance is not one of those gifts. As a former home schooling mom, I still have a slew of resources to keep the cogs and wheels in Noah’s brain moving in the summer months—if I’m lucky!

With three weeks under our belt, I see Noah and I have to tweak our system.

Most of the time, when I call Noah to the dining room table to do some “work,” he digs in without too much complaining (amazing!). I make sure he “serves his time” before heading off to play.

One problem has surfaced.

I have not adequately checked the quality or quantity of his work.

Simply requiring TIC (tush in chair) time does not guarantee any meaningful outcome.

Noah needs a little accountability.

When it comes to rest, do you need a little accountability for the quantity and quality of your rest?

I do.

It makes all the difference in the world.

Why do I bring this up?

While committed to rhythm in every way, a few pummeling blows in recent months have caused large cracks to form in this “jar of clay.”

Simply put, I’m leaking.

Badly.

It’s been brought to my attention by some loving folks that my need for extended rest is at a critical juncture. In western society, we call it vacation.

Plans are in the works.

Accountability.

Who helps you tow the line?

It makes all the difference in the world.

(Hey – it’s a busy hospital week for us, it might be a little while before I can post again.)

  • Exciting note! Feedback from the first 12-weeks of posts has been strong and encouraging. Because of this, it’s being compiled into an e-book, a free resource for current and new subscribers. It will be available this summer during a relaunch of the blog and will include reflection questions for personal and small group use. I pray it will be a valuable tool and vehicle of growth in the lives of many. Hold this project up in prayer. Until this relaunch, I will be posting previously written articles and little bits here and there. Blessings!

 Is This Your First Time Here?

Welcome!

Run hard. Rest well. launched in March 2013. If this topic grabs your heart, we’d like to encourage you to subscribe to this weekly blog. The information to do so is located on the right hand side of this page. Along the way, we’ve encouraged folks to read the first 12-weeks of posts found in the archives. (But no rush. Go slow.) Start with Week 1 (from March). Each post is numbered and lays an important foundational insight into the life-giving rhythm Run hard. Rest well.

  • The site is under construction for a few weeks right now to compile the e-book, re-vamp the site and prepare to launch out into a broader spectrum of people. During this time I am going to send out links to articles I’ve written for various Christianity Today print and on-line publications over the last few years. With their permission (and handy links), I pray these articles bless and encourage.

run hard. rest well.

Brenda

First time here?

6 thoughts on “The “A” Word”

  1. Sometimes hospitals can be places of rest. What else can you do? I anxious await the book. I will pray as you run hard that you will make time to rest well.

    Reply
    • Tomorrow is another hospital day for Josh. Last month Josh’s all-day (IV meds and 2 units of blood) turned into a short in-patient stay. Lots of prayers for tomorrow. We know Who is in control! Your prayers for my rest is a treasure. God and I have had some powerful time together in hospitals. Holy Ground, indeed!

      Reply
      • Holy ground filled with God’s angels. I know how a small procedure can escalate. I know the fear and stress that accompanies this. I know a God Whose love holds you all there to His heart. He knows your name…you’re inscribed on the palm of His hand. He carries you. Nothing can get to you without first going through Jesus. We are pulling out the big guns. No one messes with the Man! And every knee bows to His name.
        JESUS!!!!!

        Reply
  2. Oh, Brenda, I be one of those saying, “GO ON VACATION”!!!! One needs “weekly” rest, but families need “vacation” which means at least a couple of days in a row. Go, enjoy! We will pray there is no “hospitaling” while you’re gone, because you need “vacation” which means at least a couple of days in a row. Like I said. (this is like a song that never ends, it goes on and on my friend….until you DO IT!) Put, with love, my friend. –Elaine

    Reply

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