“We had been moving too fast and had to wait for our souls to catch up.” 

There are moments when we feel the need to keep pushing forward, even when it's clear that taking a break would be more beneficial. This tendency doesn't serve us well because we can't give our best to others or ourselves when we’re running on empty. It's crucial to remember the importance of pausing, to acknowledge that we are more than the sum of our tasks and responsibilities, and to reconnect with what our heart is trying to tell us about the world around us.  

Looking at the example set by Jesus, we see a powerful model of self-care and spiritual nourishment. He frequently sought out quiet places to spend time in prayer, sometimes going off by himself (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46–47; John 6:15). In fact, there are instances where he would go to the mountain and pray all night (Luke 6:12). His disciples observed him leaving to pray and returning later refreshed and recharged. We must keep this in mind the next time we’re tempted to push through rather than taking the time to rest our minds and refocus on what truly matters.

The September school holidays are just around the corner, and an ideal opportunity to allocate some time for rest. This may be a challenge, especially if you're accustomed to the fast-paced nature of school life. It's tempting to pack every day of the holidays with activities we miss out on during the school term, however, consider making an effort to prioritise some unscheduled downtime.

Consider spending some moments simply basking in the sun, diving into a good book, taking a quiet leisurely stroll, or surprising a friend with an unexpected phone call. Afterward, take a moment to reflect on how this pause has affected your inner self, your 'soul.'