“I'll refresh tired bodies; I'll restore tired souls.” –Jeremiah 31:25 (The Message)
I’ve been fending off sickness for weeks… three doctors appointments… three antibiotics.
I have to admit, I fought valiantly. I just couldn’t afford to slow down for just one minute. After all, I have a job to do, a husband to encourage, kids to love on, meals to cook, laundry to do, carpools to drive, programs to attend, friends to call, there are a million things to do at church & Christmas is just around the corner. So I just pushed through… sniffling, coughing & grouching at everyone; popping cough drops like candy & carrying a tissue around in my shirt sleeve like my gramma used to do. It was a tragic sight.
Finally this week, my poor body just gave up on me. I crashed. I found myself dragging myself out of bed around 11am just to shower & crawl back in again. As I lay exhausted, in the quiet, I wondered aloud, “How did this happen?”
How did this happen? Seriously? How about the fact that lately, my life has been so busy, I haven’t had time to think, let alone be sick. I ignored all the symptoms. I just didn’t have time. & now here I was, flat on my back, drowning in a sea of tissue. Just lovely.
On my second day of recovery, I managed to wander out to the couch where my husband tucked me into the chaise lounge & made sure I had everything I need to get better.
Yeah, my nose was still stuffed & I was still coughing but I was resting in a way I hadn’t in a really long time. I felt relieved. I felt peaceful. & that left me confused. Why do I feel so guilty about talking time like this to rest? Why is it so hard to say NO to all the many things that grapple for my attention?
It reminded me of a quote I read recently by Mike Yaconelli:
“Rest is a decision we make. Rest is choosing to do nothing when we have too much to do, slowing down when we feel pressure to go faster, stopping instead of starting. Rest is listening to our weariness and responding to our tiredness, not to what is making us tired. Rest is what happens when we say one simple word: "No!" Rest is the ultimate humiliation because in order to rest, we must admit we are not necessary, that the world can get along without us, that God's work does not depend on us. Once we understand how unnecessary we are, only then might we find the right reasons to say yes. Only then might we find the right reasons to decide to be with Jesus instead of working for him. Only then might we have the courage to take a nap with Jesus.” Oh my goodness! Isn’t that an extraordinary thought?! I can’t help but wonder if I made a deliberate choice to change my behavior… maybe just maybe, I would have the time, the energy & the passion to accomplish all that God has called me to do each day.
So… excuse me. I think I’m done writing now. I’m gonna go take a little nap… with Jesus.
 |
| Yooper will probably be there too :-) |
Thank you!! I needed this! Also helps me understand a little the knowledge my husband must already possess. He always takes time to rest when I think, "WHAT? How can you? There's so much to do?" There would probably be less to do if we built something like a kennel- for toddlers. i hope you enjoy your nap with Jesus!! And I hope he gives you an abundance of energy and health with your wisdom!
ReplyDelete