What Restores You?

-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-

A good gauge of whether we’re pursuing our creativity from our own strength or with God is whether we’re mostly expectant…or exhausted.

Because God doesn’t give us more than we can do in a day. We give ourselves that burden.

Recently, I was feeling the burden. At the end of an incredibly long day, I told my wife how exhausted I was.

“What would restore you?” she asked. It was the perfect question, and I had no idea.

That tends to happen when we go full speed for too long. During those seasons, we master how to maximize output and efficiency. But we forget how to pursue what brings us life. We know how to get quick relief but not restoration. My body didn’t need a nap. It needed a break from sitting at my desk staring at screens. So I spent the next day laying hardwood floors with a good friend. The smell of sawdust, the feel of power tools, and the experience of creating something tangible were life-giving.

How do you restore? Spend time with that question. It’s good to know. And even better to do it. Not by yourself. Maybe with those you love. But for sure with Jesus.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Creating moments of joy or works that matter isn’t easy—but it also isn’t meant to be exhausting. Pursue what you love with God, go at his pace, and find what brings deep restoration over momentary relief.

Whatever else you’re making, make time for that.

One of the most insidious ways the enemy comes against our efforts to keep us stuck is through de-creation. I'll reveal what exactly this is—and how to not lose heart or quit when it hits—in our next reading.

(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God.Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)

This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).

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