Rest for the Christian Adventure Athlete
“Rest” can be vague and hard to come by for the adventure athlete and this post has been on my heart for many months. It’s something I’ve contemplated over and over again in my life since I tend to be a go-getter and struggle to slow down when appropriate.
This subject has the potential for many hours of fireside chat, so it’s got me feeling very intimidated about where to begin. But I’ll let God take care of the unspoken and just share what I’m learning about rest as a Christian adventure athlete.
One thing I’d like to note before we get started here…
When I say “rest,” I’m not talking about “recovery.” This might be where you stop and go search for another article and that’s totally great! Here, I’m talking about the deep and soul-fulfilling recharge we all need that sometimes includes recovery, but is not scientific like athletic recovery can be.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."Matthew 11:28-30, NIV
Rest is in Our Nature
It took God 6 epic days to create the earth and the first thing he does afterward is rest. In the beginning moments of our world, God found it good to give us a rhythmic example of work and rest. If rest was suitable for the Creator we bear the likeness of, who are we to ignore it for ourselves?
Life Requires Balance
When we incorporate rest as part of balancing our lives, it is also an echo of the creation we so much enjoy. The world’s nature is full of contrast (darkness and light, winter and summer, etc.), making it hard to deny the rhythm of balance found all around us.
Some Adventure Types come to this adage easier than others, but it’s true: life is about balance, and the more we embrace it, the better off we are.
As noted in Ecclesiastes, there is a season for everything. Why would this not include the deep rest our hearts and bodies need?
Resting as an adventure athlete helps us better navigate the highs and lows, and readies us for challenges both in life and athletic training.
Rest is Obedience
Rooted in the example of Creator God and Jesus’ own life, there is so much wisdom found in following their examples of intentional rest. Resting is a grace given to us after periods of work.1 It’s a command not only from the Old Testament found in the Ten Commandments, but also a promise to children of the New Covenant both in the now but not yet Kingdom!2
Using Rest for Reflection & Intention
Rest is a powerful tool for adventure athletes as it can refresh our minds and bodies. If we are intentional with our times of rest, we can gain insight into many aspects of life. A mindful recharge can lead to a strong readiness that will leave us feeling full and more purposeful than ever.
Never underestimate the value of strategic rest: slowing down is speeding up.
Tips on Resting for the Adventure Athlete
Depending on the day and your Adventure Type, rest may look different for you than others.
Embrace variety!
As mentioned above, rest is so much more than just physical recovery. Rest comes in many forms and can vary from one person to another.
For instance, if you’re a “Summit Crusher,” rest might look like a short hike to a hot springs. But if you’re a “Serene Explorer,” a solid day of rest could include curling up on the couch with your favorite book in a fuzzy pair of slippers.
Remember: rest doesn’t have to be some big production reserved for an entire day or more.
You may only be able to take small moments for rest, and that’s perfectly fine. Incorporating a rhythm of micro-rests between times of exertion (even on the trail) can be a beautiful thing.
For instance…
Intentional “Rest Steps” on your way up a hill can keep energy up when the journey gets rough.
Or taking a reflective moment when you’ve reached the summit is another way to fill your soul along the way.
If you look for them, opportunities for rest are everywhere and my advice is to practice both finding and taking them. Whether short or extended, times of rest are invaluable for every journey (adventure athlete or not!).
Conclusion
Remember, prioritizing rest isn’t a sign of weakness. Rest can be used as an intentional fuel-up to move you forward. It can be part of a long-term rhythm that makes you stronger in the end. Embrace pause, seek refreshment, and get ready for your next adventure to bring even greater purpose and joy.
What are your favorite ways to find rest as an adventure athlete?
