A safe or peaceful place. That’s one definition for haven — the word of the day.
What comes to mind? Where do you run? What place brings you peace or rest?
I used to go to a certain corner of the local Panera. All the employees that knew me knew my favorite spot. But my haven has changed. I don’t go there as often.
Sometimes I just need more time at home. Full days and over-scheduled weeks catch up. My body eventually tells me to rest. Slow down. Give it time to recover from being on the go. Then maybe my brain can rest as well.
One night last week I couldn’t go to sleep. I was writing and rewriting a post in my head. The words would not stop. In a way, this is great. The creativity sure was flowing, but I was in the bed. I was not about to call my parents to come put my braces and shoes back on so I could write again. I hoped the words would still be there in the morning. Even if I didn’t rest well that night. It worked. I wrote those words the next day.
This week I realized I needed rest. And lots of it. I wouldn’t push myself or plan too much. I slept in one day. Went to bed early another. When energy is low, I learn to focus on the most important task for that day. What can wait?
I might wish to go to Panera in order to write more, plan more, etc. Doing and going doesn’t always bring peace. Slowing down at times can. And that’s how I learn to adapt to a new haven.
Sometimes my haven is my room. Sometimes it’s a spot in the living room, where I can spread out papers and leave technology for a bit. And sometimes my haven is the couch. Then I can physically rest as I read a book or do nothing. My brain needs “off time” for all the other “on times”.
How do you rest? Where is your haven?
This was inspired by the Five Minute Friday word: HAVEN.
Hello Laura,
I so related with your post about how when we are over spent quiet is a haven. A big time introvert trait, and I think the only way to really hear the prompting of the Spirit of God.
Praying for you today that the spark of creativity and the restoration of peace keeps coming.
Cheers,
Your neighbor at 5minfri,
Leah
Very true! I’ve realized I’m more of an introvert than I used to be. And great point — I know I’m not listening to the Spirit well when I’m constantly rushing around. We are called to “be still and know”. Thank you for the prayers! I will come visit your blog tomorrow. 🙂
Hi Leah! I was slower than intended with visiting your blog. I tried to comment as well. Did it come through? Either way, your post last week was lovely!
Many times my haven is my suburban. Yes, it is leaving my home, but that is a long story. In my Sub, I seem to be able to get away from all the busy. I like that.
That’s ok too! A haven can be anywhere. I have days when I need to get out and leave the other tasks for later.
Are you sure you’re not in my head at times? Sometimes I feel like your words have just come out of my mouth. I love it! A haven. Oh, how we all need that place and that time of rest. We can get too busy and sometimes not even realizing it until our bodies do give in and seem to start yelling at us to slow down and breath. Are you glad havens can be in different places and different times? I’m with you about the middle of night writings too. Of course, my not getting up and writing my thoughts down just come from laziness in hopes that those thoughts still linger in the morning. Many times they don’t linger and I realize I’ve missed some great opportunities for God to use me and my words. Thank you for sharing your heart and life with me. You touch my heart over and over and I am learning some great lessons from you. Love you sweet Laura!
Maybe I am! 🙂 I love when God brings the same themes to mind in multiple ways. I’m very glad havens can come in different forms because life seasons change and require different kinds of rest. God speaks encouragement through you to others all the time…love that and lots of love to you as well, Faye!