I could not sleep. Too many thoughts of what I needed to do at home and work ran through my brain like the Boston Marathon – thrice. I gave up and went outside to sit on my back steps. The night was like warm bathwater fragrant with lilies and newly mown grass. The only sound was that of cicadas chanting their mating rasp – strophe and antistrophe. Soothed, I relaxed and leaned against the sliding glass door. I gazed at the creamy full moon through black lace tree brances. I had not had time earlier because I was too busy being busy. Oh my Lord Jesus, forgive my sins of commission and ommission. Forgive my not taking time for you when you gave all your time for me.
No wonder I felt so tired and overwhelmed! I had not followed my Shepherd to those still waters and restored my soul. Jesus leads us to those times of silence and alone, but we have to be willing to follow him. We have to give up Pawn Stars, 6:00 news, immediately unloading the dishwasher, washing the car, logging in to our workplace email while at home….What if Jesus had been to busy to die for us? What if when instead of going apart and praying, He decided to take a nap?
“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 rythms of grace.” Matt. 11:28, 29 (Msg). Sit on your back steps, close your bedroom door, cut off the phone….midnight, dawn, noon….Spend some time in the Savior’s presence and in His word and let Him teach you purpose and peace.
Lord, show me how to set my priorities so they will always be in line with Your will. Please, don’t let a life of busyness steal my health, sanity, my relationships with others and with You. Let me learn the “unforced rythms of grace.” Amen
kanzen sakura 