As usual, the Lord presents to me so many different blessings and assurances. The one for today was to find rest in the Lord. I’ve talked to many friends over the past weeks, much of whom are worried about me not resting in order to take good care of Kevin. I am trying, but I find it hard to not immediately go home from the hospital and wrap myself up in laundry, dishes, and our cat. I find it takes my mind off the situation and gives me a bit of reprieve. With rest, I worry most about Kevin, as he is having trouble sleeping and getting the rest his body needs. Pray for healing, wholeness and rest for Kevin and I.
We are also waiting on donors for the fundraiser-pray that answers come quickly and we can get the items we need to have a good meal for the BBQ dinners.
Thank you all for everything you are doing. You are in our thoughts also…
Rest Awhile
[Jesus] said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
THE activities of this past month almost overwhelmed me! I helped with a four-day retreat, performed a wedding, taught a five-day class on the Book of James – and did my regular pastoral work of preaching and visiting with the sick and homebound. I could add to this list if I wrote down the activities of my three children, but even then I might not believe it all happened. When the phone rings during dinner, I wonder who needs me now and for what.
As I wonder, I even cry out to God at times, “When do I get to rest?” Sometimes I schedule a day of rest only to have my plans changed because someone needs to talk. As I set aside my planned rest, I consider the possibility that maybe I can rest tomorrow.
But I usually just move on with the busy schedule I have planned. In the midst of the latest call, Jesus’ words hit me: “Come away . . . and rest a while.” Jesus often reaches out to me inviting me to rest, but only I can decide whether to enter into the rest Jesus offers. When I do, I find the rest I have been longing for – and the peace of God is mine once again.
Tim Irving (Virginia, U.S.A.)
