Rest

Life. It's a busy place.

Constant pressures, demands, need-to-do's and want-to-do's can drive a woman crazy.  Yet the message  I hear repeated over and over again has been "REST".

I hear it in on the radio, at church, at a women's conference... even in my quiet times alone with God.  Can I just be honest here?

It started getting on my nerves?

I don't have time to rest!

I'm not against resting.  But more times than not, I feel more like the proverbial woman who's lamp does not go out at night - and frankly, I'd be ready to pull the plug for a few hours of shut-eye.

Let me explain - though most mama's will completely understand.  I do sleep.  I do rest.  I even get approximately twenty-four minutes a little quiet time most evenings on the couch next to Tim before one of us goes slack-jawed and cross eyed in our attempt to stay awake, but I find it hard to feel at rest.

There is so. much. to. do!


And I can't make them it go away!  Four kids, twenty hens, one cow, couple of cats and a lazy ole' dog will produce more signs of life than seems possible.  Add that on top of numerous other projects and responsibilities and my days are packed full!

And I'm ok with that, but, well.. a break would be nice!  It just seems impossible.

Still, there it hung.  The constant reminder to rest?

This morning while running, I was tired.

Wanted to quit.

Wanted to die rest.

I was only halfway to my goal and quitting wasn't on my agenda.  I knew it was simply mind over matter.  Take another step.  Keep moving.  Don't quit. (Funny how a weedy ditch covered in dew can look more welcoming than a Sleep Number Bed... with clean sheets.)

Keeping my eyes on the road, I kept moving and a verse came to my mind.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."  Isaiah 26:3.  

Peace.

Rest.

Ahhh.. and herein lies the secret!

I couldn't quit halfway through my run.  I hadn't reached my goal yet.  And though everything within me cried out for a break... I knew I couldn't stop.

That's motherhood... that's life!  (Don't get me wrong - every woman needs a break.. take one!  I'm speaking of motherhood/life as a whole - start to finish)

I realized that I could lie in a  hammock under the shade of palm trees for a week straight...

I could listen to the sounds of the ocean waves and sea gulls calling to one another overhead while waiting for a maid to deliver a luncheon of Strawberry Spinach salad and Black Tie Mousse Cake (and a slice of pizza cause I'm really just a simple country girl)...

I could be in the most peaceful place on earth, yet still not be at rest.

Why?

Because resting is birthed in the mind.

It is learning to focus on He Who gives strength, whispers peace, offers joy and envelops with love.

Deliberately turning away from the worries of

'Can I make it?'

'Am I strong enough?'

'What will happen?'

'What if I fail?'

'Will I ever get a break?'

To,

'You, oh Lord, are good!'

'You are my Rock!'

'In You, I find peace.'

'You are my strength!'

'You are worthy of all my praise!'

And later, as I sat on my front porch step, resting, breathing in the freshness of morning, I realized the difference focus had made.

I had felt stronger.  Ready to run again.  Renewed.  Encouraged.  Energized.

I had reached my goal with ease and it felt good!

Physical rest isn't always an option (at least, not the amount we'd like), but God keeps us steady on our feet when I shift our eyes towards Him.

He takes our burdens and replaces it with rest.

People with their minds set on you, 

you keep completely whole,

Steady on their feet,

because they keep at it and don't quit.

Depend on God and keep at it

because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.

Isaiah 26

"This is the time and place to rest,
   to give rest to the weary.
This is the place to lay down your burden." 

Isaiah 28