In Matthew 8:23-25 we read: “Then [Jesus] got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Yup. A storm threatened to drown everyone and Jesus was…

Sleeping!

Even Jesus needed to sleep. Other times he got away from the crowd to rest and pray.

If we are supposed to “be like Jesus” shouldn’t we rest like him too?

Today I’m here to tell you this: Quality down time makes for quality up time.

If your down time is non-existent or distracted, you’re not going to be at your best when your family, friends or other people need you most.

In the story from Matthew 8, not only did Jesus calm the storm and save the disciples lives, but in the next two stories he then went on to exorcise demons and heal a man who was paralyzed!

Even Jesus—the Lord!—took rest seriously. Therefore, so can you.

Think about your “down time.” Is it truly DOWN time? Minimize distraction, maximize relaxation.

When we want to be at our best, we often assume we need more strength, time or energy. But more often than not, we just need more rest.

Quality down time makes for quality up time.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.