Cocoa and a Nap

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) Mark 6:31 NASB

“When you rest, you catch your breath and it holds you up, like water wings…” — Anne Lamott

Sometimes there’s no mighty message, eloquent prayer or inspiring book that guides or inspires you. Sometimes, disappointing I know, it’s rest that’s greatly needed.  We want to march on, teach this, provide that. Humbling, I know, it’s rest we need. We are much too impressed with ourselves at times. I must do this. I must be there. We go over and over a conversation or problem until we’re spiritually, emotionally and physically spent with no satisfactory resolution in sight.  I must, I must, I must. No you don’t! Get honest. Are you tired? Are you a bit hungry? Do your feet hurt? Are you God or a fragile human being with needs?

When overloaded, unsure, anxious, or (are you ready?) exhausted, get your favorite blanket, a hot mug of soup, cocoa or beverage, turn off all your devices, get comfy, snuggle with your pet and take a nap.   Maybe it’s 40 winks. Maybe it’s an hour or day. You may just need some peaceful, nurturing rest. We are clay. We are dust. We are God’s children. We’ve always made sure our children get rest. Even our pets get rest. God’s children need rest too. God rested on the seventh day. If the Creator of all rested, we need to do the same. Faith knows God works even when we’re sleeping. Better yet is we don’t get in God’s way. “Now I lay me down to sleep…”

Musings

It’s amazing how huge problems are cut down to size, emotions find their right place, answers come and patience is extended when we just rest. Some of our Bible heroes received messages from God while they dreamed. Rest in our father’s arms. Wake refreshed.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for rest. Sometimes we are working so hard on our souls and life that we neglect our rest. Help us to not neglect our bodies by pushing, straining and improving beyond what we are able. Help us to encourage rest for others too. This world screams at us to do this and that and we forget we are fragile. We forget that you are in charge. We forget that you made us with rest in mind. Thank you for your rest– restorative and lifegiving.

Amen.