I give myself permission to rest from this rushing race of life. From early morning, I have run around like a crazy woman. It’s time for a break. Even if for a few moments, I own the front porch swing. Here is a quiet place of respite away from the constant pull of the “to do” list in my mind. My inner chatter bullies me to do more, to be more, though my body demands a STOP! I am my own worst enemy and my own worst critic. God help me to just Be for a few minutes.
The Lord invites me to the bounty of His table. He beckons me to use all my senses to experience the wonder right before me. In the sky above, a myriad of birds flit from tree to tree. Their diverse notes blend together into a cacophony of song, entertaining to the ear. From a perch on the back deck, I watch in awe as the honey bees fly in quick and low with their cache of pollen and nectar. The breeze blows in soft puffs on my face and moves the buckwheat flowers to and fro. In the air, I catch the lingering scent of new mown grass with just a hint of boxwood.
Life is good. God is on His throne and I am not. Much of the time, I take myself too seriously to simply give myself permission to rest in His goodness and trust that He is in control. While the human race worries and scurries, all of nature rests in His care. When Jesus spoke of worry, he said “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”1 So calm down. Take a deep breath. If God takes care to clothe the fields with beauty, how much more will He care for me.
When I realize that worry is a sign that I lack trust, I feel convicted. It’s hypocrisy to say I trust in God’s provision yet live in anxiety. How do I rid myself of this ever present nemesis? First, I must let go of the need to control people and situations. In reality, my ability to change them is minimal at best anyway. Even so, this doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t use my influence for good when I am able. However, this takes sober judgement to know when change is possible and when it is not.
Next, I must take those circumstances that I can’t change and give them over to God permanently. The temptation is always to take these burdens back again when another difficulty arrives. When I hear that still small voice of the Spirit say, “Don’t do it,” I must listen.
Finally, I must keep an eternal perspective. I see only a small window on the whole of reality. What seems awful at this moment, may be the very situation that needs to happen for a greater good in the future. Perhaps this present trial is readying me for what’s to come. I don’t possess that kind of knowledge, but God does.
Today, I give myself permission to rest in His goodness and grace. God’s creation is amazing. You and I are a part of it. Don’t let anxiety and worry cause you to miss it!
1Matthew 6:28-29 NIV
