con.va.lesce :: to recover one’s health and strength over time

similar words :: recuperate, get better, get well, get back on one’s feet

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She came to me recently, this church sister.  Right in the middle of all-church campfire activities, kids running, people laughing, coffee brewing.  The annual celebration we all anticipate.

In the midst of this fanfare atmosphere, words were spoken I still ponder weeks later.  She admitted to being shy, somewhat hesitant to share.  I’m incredibly grateful she pushed through those initial feelings however, for God used her words to sink deep:

“Be very gracious and gentle with yourself, with your family.  You’ve been through a lot…take recovering slowly.” 

Oh my, how there’s truth in those words.  For who among us isn’t guilty of rushing on ever so quickly after a storm?

Personal, emotional, physical or otherwise — sometimes there’s unspoken expectation that healing has a time limit.  That grief, disappointment, hurt, pain or illness is to be overcome in quick-like manner so not to be frowned upon.

Now listen.  I’m not advocating wallowing in our problems forever or never coming to peace with difficult circumstances.  But with more questions than answers, I do wonder why we (Christians? Americans?) feel guilty over this need — yes, the need! — to convalesce.

Our lives and worlds are not ideal.  Often there’s not enough room and space in our calendar for taking off multiple days for nothingness and openness, for pause without concern.  I know.  I write of the importance of regular rest patterns, but I know from experience the challenges of following through.

Yet, can we make room in our spirits first?

If we don’t first give ourselves permission to recuperate, to recover and strengthen after difficulty, then I’m not sure days upon days of ‘free time’ would cure.  We might just fill it, stuff it with nonsense…more busywork, maybe fearing what being alone would reveal.

In a little book I highly recommend, the author speaks to her Judaism roots and the spiritual disciplines thereof in light of her Christianity conversion.  One such practice struck me intensely as I reread this gem recently:  marking the days after grief.

For Jews, such an intentionality is given to grieving…from allowing the individual to do so within community to remembering anniversaries of deaths…deliberate focus is not only allowed and encouraged, but expected.  A fascinating chapter within the book.

We need this practice of convalesce.  We need to recognize when life has simply thrown too much too fast and our bodies, minds and spirits are need of focused rest for a season.

So we take the advice of my sister-friend and move slowly (as much as possible) within our days.

For now, in little ways and big ways, we convalesce intentionally.

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And for you – is there a need for this practice?  I share words to prayerfully encourage:

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest – a quick ebook {if financial situations keep from a purchase, please email and I’ll send you a copy}

Still – a post & video encouraging moments of stillness

The Way Home – God knows your storm.  He knows that sometimes the only way is through it, and He’s there.

More encouragement from ‘the practice of’ series

{photos :: first steps in my little home apothecary project!  more to come…}