A couple of weeks ago, I contacted all of my children, their spouses, their children, their grandparents, their aunts/uncles, cousins and a few other close friends. My goal was to book the date and time for one of our favorite annual family gatherings.
After approximately 11 phone calls, and at least half as many texts, we finally settled on a date we all thought maybe, sort of, kind of, quite possibly, just might work out for most of us. Holding onto this small glimmer of hope I press on!
To accommodate, I rescheduled personal appointments, double up on several errands and shuffle around a variety of other “must-dos,” clearing my calendar for the big day. Reservations are made. Tickets purchased. Soon, groceries and other necessary things will be bought, packed, loaded up and hauled out to the event site.
Once the long busy week comes to an end, and the big day is finally here, I will arrive several hours early to set up. Everything will be put into place for all of our fire-pit dog roasting, s’mores making and hay-wagon riding fun times which will continue way beyond sundown.
That evening, with every single ounce of energy left in my body, I WILL enjoy my time with my family! Oh yes ma’am! I will – even if it kills me!! I’ll get in there and carve my pumpkin with the best of them!
When it’s all over, with s’mores sticky fingers, I’ll tear it all down, load it all up, drive 45 minutes home, put it all away, drag my fanny up those stairs, and as I fall into my bed with an achy back and swollen feet, with a big ol’ smile on my face, I’ll say, “Wow! Now THAT was rejuvenating! Who knew planning a day of ‘rest and relaxation’ could be this exhausting?!”
Then I will fall fast asleep planning for next year. Can I get a witness?? Yes, I know I can! Rest is hard work!
I’m convinced we have become a generation of restLESS people! We are hamsters on the wheel of life in an ever-spinning world!
Mr. Vasco asked of his friend Mr. Curly, “What is worth doing, and what is worth having?”
“It is worth doing nothing, and it is worth having a rest”, advises the sagacious Mr. Curly. “In spite of all the difficulty it may cause, you MUST rest, Vasco. Otherwise, you will become RESTLESS!” – Michael Leunig
Did you know, depending on what version the Bible you read, God mentions “rest” in His word more than 500 times? He is so serious about our physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing (where rest is concerned), He gave us a personal example to follow in Genesis 2.
If that isn’t enough, like a good parent who knows what is best, He commands us to rest in Exodus 20. Yet, the area where Christians can be found to be negligent, when it comes to obeying Gods Word, is in the area of rest. It seems we just don’t have the energy for it.
I think Mr. Curly gives his friend great advice, we really MUST learn to rest! Perhaps Mr. Curly is a good friend of Jesus too.
Because Jesus says: “The thief (Satan) comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10).
“Having a rest” really is worth doing!
So, as you begin yet another busy week:
- Get your Bible out and read what God has to say about rest.
- Get your phone out and contact the people you love.
- Make a plan to come together for some food, fun, fellowship and REST (for your weary heart and soul).
- Mark your calendar and make it happen!
Nothing really is worth doing.
Blessings as you ‘be still’ and find rest in HIM.
“Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28).