When the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the US climbed above $4.00, I began to notice many people around me driving their cars considerably slower. Rather than quickly racing to their next destination, more and more drivers started taking a more economical approach. Less speed = better gas mileage!

I eased off on putting the pedal to the metal myself, and began to experience an unexpected benefit from slowing down. Though I didn’t fully comprehend what was happening at first, something inside of me began to slow down too. As I was driving to work or to the store, it hit me that I didn’t feel as rushed—as if my soul was catching its breath. It was a surprising, yet welcomed, relief.

We’re built to take breaks. The Bible refers to it as “Sabbath.” It’s a part of the normal rhythm of life God instilled in us when He Himself rested after He finished His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Right from the start, God meant for humans to work and to accomplish projects (Genesis 2:15), but He also meant for us to rest. Too often, however, the tendency is to plow through our days and weeks without any time for Sabbath rest.

Taking a break can be a real challenge. In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in rushing through life and forget the importance of dialing it down. Driving slower helped me realize how true that was for me.

Most of us need to practice pulling back from the busyness of life. Whether it is slowing down on the roads, choosing not to work through lunch, or taking a few days of needed rest, we need to pause, put our feet up, and remember the One who made us.  Let’s find our ultimate rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10).