Physical rest has proven elusive the past few days. I think our boxes are rabbits in disguise – they seem to be multiplying exponentially. And somehow in the midst of all the chaos, I lost my bearings. Consumed by the immediate task at hand, I fell into that old trap of “must. get. this. done.”
just some of the boxes at the house in Georgia
Funny isn’t it, how God works sometimes? Leading me to write this series on rest while we’ve been packing, moving and settling in to our new home has shown me just how independent I remain. How much those lessons about slowing have not yet taken deep root in my heart. How easy my eyes focus on “I’s.”
Slowing isn’t easy … and learning the discipline of rest has challenged every part of me. I’ve learned one very bitter lesson: When I fail to slow physically, I also fail to be still spiritually. Maybe you’ve learned that one too.
This morning, as I sit here looking at boxes, I’m choosing to see things differently. I’m making the determination not to rush through just be done but instead to count the blessings of this time of change and newness. Because the truth is … aligning my heart with God’s truth is always a choice. He never forces Himself on us rather He gently woos our hearts to His, inviting us into His presence in the midst of whatever chaos our life holds.
Perhaps you need a little refocusing this Monday morning too. May I invite you to slow with me? If you’ve missed any of the previous posts in Slow: Understanding Biblical Rest, they are all indexed for easy reference.
What keeps you from slowing?
{Counting blessings this morning …}
- sleeping on our own beds
- long-time friends who call to check on me
- sweet tea on a hot day
- jumping in to help with VBS
- challenging sermons
- an organized pantry {Thanks, Susan!}
- family who painted and cleaned the new house
- God’s timing in all things
- crying turned to laughter
- abundant offers to help
- my favorite barbeque
- a wonderful new church
- a precious church left behind
- finding the perfect house
- purging the “stuff”
- home … sweet, amazing, box-covered, home
- fresh tomatoes
- scars on my heart – the evidence of love given freely, even when it hurt
- forgiveness for words spoken without love and kindness
- long hugs from the man who sees inside – and loves me anyway
I’ve been praying for you, my friend. ((((hugs))))
Thank you! I’ve needed them … looking forward to seeing you again in October. 🙂
“Funny isn’t it, how God works sometimes? Leading me to write this series on rest while we’ve been packing, moving and settling in to our new home…”
So true!! The Lord knows what we need, when we need it…and it proves he has a sense of humor 🙂 Wonderful insight, as usual, my friend.
Teri,
It is interesting how sometimes what we want to write and minister to others about, ends up being for us as well. God is good in how he gently leads us. I love this honest post by you, and yes I am working on being in “rest” with my Savior.
God bless you sister
Relating ……