Rest

For the last 14 years, I have had the blessing of taking an annual car trip with my mom and sister. We so look forward to our time together. Time to catch up on the news, reconnect and just do nothing. We eat junk food, watch “stupid” television shows, shop, sunbathe and eat…oh, I said eat already, didn’t I? This year my preparations haven’t gone so smoothly. Usually, by now I am packed and prepared. I am psyched for a full week of rest and relaxation. Not so much this year. Lately, there have been some “speed bumps” in my life. Appliance failures, unexpected medical bills and the challenge of this blog. The list goes on and on. The Holy Spirit reminds me to be grateful for the roof over my head, hot, clean water and a machine that washes my dirty dishes. I am grateful that I can afford and have access to health care, have the ability to work, and use my new-found writing skills to honor Him. But, having said that, my spirit has been restless, and unable to experience that “looking forward to vacation” feeling that we all need. My flesh, my desire to have everything, yes everything, wrapped up in a neat pretty package before I leave for my trip is short circuiting my ability to experience joy and rest. I wanted problems resolved, all bills paid and not one dog hair left on the floor when I left for this reunion. Scary huh?

I was feeling all of this until now…

It has been pretty hot here, starting out with high humidity in the morning. I decided to drag my rear end out of bed so I could get the “doggie walking” done and off my list before it reaches 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. About halfway through our walk, Frodo just laid down in the green grass of a neighbor’s yard. He just stopped as we were pounding the pavement on our way back home. He has done this before as he is old and tires easily. I wasn’t surprised, but, I noticed a couple of things that humbled me. Sam, Frodo’s brother, wanted to keep going. Frodo is laying on the grass resting and Sam is pulling at the leash (as if dogs had the ability to speak, that is), “Hey! there is more to do and see, so get up and let’s go, you lazy dog” . But, Frodo knows when his body needs a break and his senses have had enough stimulation. He knows when its time to stop. He doesn’t think twice or carefully weigh the pros and cons of rest, he senses the need and lays down. He rests regardless of what may be enticing his sense of smell or what his brother is “doing”. And in that rest, he looks directly at me panting with anticipation. He has pure certainty that I have in my possession something that he needs and craves. He knows that I will offer permission to rest, encouragement to carry on when he is ready and fresh water. He doesn’t look around or hunt for refreshment, he knows he only has to look at me and he will receive what he needs.

When I arrived home I spent some time with my Father during breakfast and he brought this analogy to me. I am so busy plotting my way through the day and allowing my mind to be peppered with anxiety-producing thoughts, that I forgot, again, to look to my father for refreshment and rest. I forget that as his daughter I have the privileged to look right at him with confidence that he will provide refreshment and carry any burdens I have.

So my dear friend, may I encourage you that you only have to look to your loving Father for refreshment and rest.

Blessings,
Karen

Jesus said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. Mathew 11:28-30.