We’ve officially entered my favorite time of year! There’s plenty to love about fall: the changing weather, the anticipation of Christmas, and all the joy that comes with the holiday season. But one of my favorite things about this time of year is that eggnog is finally back on the shelves. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see that delicious beverage next to the milk at the grocery store. Every time I see it, I don’t even think twice. Into the cart it goes! And, well, let’s just say it never lasts very long in my refrigerator.

The problem is that I love eggnog so much that I’ll often reach for it instead of something my body needs, like water. While that first glass is delicious, after the sugar rush fades, I inevitably feel less than great and wonder why I didn’t just drink some water instead. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not giving up eggnog anytime soon! But I’ve come to recognize that just because something feels satisfying in the moment doesn’t necessarily mean it’s giving me what I need.

I wonder how often we approach rest the same way. After a long day, we come home exhausted, turn on the television, pick up our phones, or listen to something to take our minds off everything we’ve experienced. While these activities can be enjoyable, sometimes we’ve only traded one source of stimulation for another. We’re no longer working, but are we truly resting?

Psalm 62:1 reminds us, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” Biblical rest is more than simply stepping away from our responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the God who created us, remember who He is, and recenter our lives on Him. In a world where everything competes for our attention, creating that space can be surprisingly difficult.

Now, don’t hear what I’m not saying. Watching a favorite show, listening to a podcast, or spending time on your phone isn’t inherently wrong, and genuine rest can look different for each person. But I think it’s worth asking whether the things we’re reaching for are truly restoring us or merely distracting us. Sometimes what we need most isn’t another source of entertainment but an opportunity to unplug, be present, and make room for God.

Reflection: When you have a chance to rest, what do you instinctively reach for?