R e s t
What do you think of when you see this word? (Take a moment and let it settle….)
R e s t
I’ll be very honest – my initial response to the word “rest” is, “Boy, could I use some!”
I generally fill my moments and my days full to the brim, then wonder why I sometimes feel listless…uneasy…. It doesn’t take long to realize that doing more does not equal to being more.
Yesterday I had “one of those days.” From early morning to very late in the evening, my time was occupied with responsibilities. All legitimate. Just normal, everyday work and life, that also included some curve balls. I got home at 10:30 and came straght to my laptop to try to put into some form of cohesive communication what I felt God had spoken to me during the day (see Day 3.) Only the fourth blog post of my Lenten journal and already I felt like I was just rushing to get it out before midnight. When I decided to blog through Lent I pictured it somehow….more….orderly. (It’s ok to laugh….)
R e s t
Today I’ve had an unexpected Saturday at home. Because it was only recently freed up, I decided to keep it free. There were plenty of things I could have done….maybe should have done. But I had a choice to make, and I chose to claim this little piece of freedom for myself.
R e s t
But what about the other 95% of life that isn’t protected in a Saturday sanctuary? Those days where we run and run and run and run some more? Is there no hope for rest on those days?
Matthew 1:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I’ve been meditating on that passage today, praying for a measure of clarity, and understanding. This is the simple truth I find for today:
Jesus is promising rest to all who come. But it doesn’t mean we won’t ever have to carry our load again. He’s identifying the weary – the burdened – and offering to ease the burden when we come…. He’s not promising a pass to all future burden-carrying. He’s just offering R e s t.
Tomorrow is Sunday – a very busy day for our family. I’ll run. I’ll worship. I’ll comfort. I’ll pray. I’ll listen. I’ll find rest for my soul. And I’ll live this life fully and joyfully, knowing that I’m not alone on the journey. I’m so thankful!
I really needed this day. And I have found r e s t.
