Resting Well (part 3)
January 01, 2020
In part 1 and part 2 of Resting Well, we shared some ways that students could make the most of their break
to grow spiritually. In our final post on this theme, here are some more recommendations
from Ouachita faculty & staff.
Shane Seaton, Recreational Life
I would encourage students to take a break from technology for an extended period
of time, whether for a day or several days. I regularly practice this as part of
my Sabbath each week. I usually do something as simple as not getting on social media
or mindlessly browsing the internet. However, for an even better experience I would
recommend a complete fast from technological entertainment. Read a book instead of
your twitter feed. Take a walk without posting anything to Instagram. Watch squirrels
play instead of a movie. It doesn’t matter what you do. The most important part
is being intentional with how you fill your time. Replace the time you spend on technology
with experiences that focus on God. Read something that will draw you closer to Him.
Pray while you walk. Have a conversation with a friend while watching the squirrels.
Make time to listen to God and he will speak to you.
Lisa Sells, President's Office
Some years, my Christmas break has been great. Sometimes, for various reasons, it
has felt long and disappointing. Sometimes the gifts don’t quite work out right, or
family dynamics are quite right, or the need to be merry on cue doesn’t fit with the
overall season of my life. One thing that has helped me to grow less dependent upon
how Christmas Day “feels” is through reading the appointed Advent and Epiphany lectionary
readings. This focused six weeks of selected Bible passages has become one of my most
treasured holiday traditions. One easy place to find the lectionary is at https://www.lectionarypage.net.
Anna Rosenthal, Campus Ministries
The Christmas season has days that are jam packed with family and friends and other
days with nothing to do. Take advantage of both kinds of times. When you are with
people, try to be engaged in conversation: ask good questions, be interested in their
lives, enjoy "normal" time just hanging out and playing board games.
The flip side is the quieter moments with nothing to do. See these moments when you
have "nothing" to do as gifts from God. Spend these times doing something you enjoy:
baking, journaling, reading, biking, listening to music. What helps refresh you personally?
Rest doesn’t have to be boring!
I recommend this blog post by Sandra Glahn. It has re-framed the way that I view breaks.
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