Let me ask you a question. It's only the beginning of 2016. But are you already tired and weary?
Writing about the word REST brings scenes like the one in the photo to my mind. Peaceful, quiet, leisurely time. Listening to the chirping of the birds. Feeling a cool breeze on my face. No interruptions. No special place I have to be. Simply sitting quietly sipping a cup of coffee with no demands pressing upon me. Simply being and enjoying the moment.
But let's get back to reality.
I rarely have time for scenes like the one I described. I work full time as a preschool teacher. I have a family and responsibilities. There's always something left on my to do list.
My husband Greg and I have been traumatized by an event that turned our lives upside down five years ago. We've gone through stages of denial, anger, bargaining and depression. We're slowly coming to the point of acceptance. But it's not been easy.
Spending my days with little children has helped me to heal. I picture the scene from the Bible in Matthew 19. Little children are surrounding Jesus. Their parents brought them to Jesus. But the disciples scolded the parents for bringing them. Here's what Jesus said in verse 14 in the NLT.
"But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."
How many times do I cry out to God over and over? I wonder where He is since my prayers don't seem to be answered according to my time table. Why hasn't He restored what we lost?
For Christmas, my friend Sue gave me a Casting Crowns CD. I've been playing it in my car on my way to work. There's a song that I play over and over. I have it on repeat. The words are so meaningful to me. It's called "Praise you in This Storm".
So I come to a point in my life when I have a choice to make.
A heart choice.
Do I continue to wrestle with the why's? Or do I trust Him and rest in His promises? The Bible tells me He never leaves me. It tells me He loves me. It tells me I can trust Him. I don't have to figure everything out myself and take on such burdens.
My part is to simply believe what He says and to ...trust Him.
When I give up my struggle to be in control, I can rest. I remember His Truth. Jesus has me covered.
Here's what happens when the children give up and rest. They fall sleep!
I'm linking up with Bonnie of Faith Barista for our Wednesday One Word Coffee. And the word for today is REST.
Blessings and love,