Rest

Matthew 11:28-30 (Message)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

This is the reason I wanted to get away, to be quiet and to think. Tired, worn out, and ready to recover my life, I am unable to focus on what needs to change so that I can have a life that makes a difference at the end of a day at work spent juggling priorities, going to meetings, answering questions, and always living with a deadline. Recently, it's become too much for me. I needed a break, really to see if I can determine "how to recover my life." And the trip didn't start off well...a creepy, webby cabin, no one around for miles apparently, and an anxious dog. I was ready to just go back home. It might be mind-numbing to consider all the work I need to do at home, but at least it's comfortable. After all, I have plenty of my own spider webs. I didn't need to travel to get that atmosphere. To cure the anxious dog, I took her for a walk down the hill...to see this view, and just like that, my burdens disappeared. In the quiet, breezy woods with waves lapping on the shore and a snoozing dog at my feet, I felt peace, a freer and lighter soul that my normal burden.

Father, I want that freedom and lightness of knowing that I'm on your path, not my own. I want to know that my day makes a difference. Thank you for sending me rest. Now, help me hold on to that lightness. Work is a challenge, give me your peace.