Take a quick look at your calendar. Open iCal or google calendar or your trusty old hard copy planner where you write everything down.

What do you have scheduled for this coming week? You probably have doctor appointments, get togethers with friends, pick the kids up from school, worship team practice, etc.

What's the common theme between all of these activities? You've identified them as important enough to write them down on your calendar. You've made time for them because you recognize the importance of them and don't want to miss them.

You can do the same thing when it comes to rest! Literally write it down in your calendar.

I challenge you to look at your calendar for next week or two weeks out, find an empty space, and fill it up by simple writing one word: REST.

If you truly believe that rest is important - just as important as picking up the kids from school or a doctor's appointment - then it belongs on your calendar.

In addition, when you have it scheduled on your calendar, it makes it easier to commit to it.

So when your boss asks you if you can work a few more hours or your friend calls you up and asks you to help them move, or you're tempted to try to squeeze in "just one more thing." Say it with me: I'm sorry. I can't. I already have a commitment.

This is too important for you to wait! Go open your calendar and schedule some rest!