Rest!

I haven’t used an alarm clock in over ten years and awake between 4:30 and 5:00 most mornings. I was shocked when I awoke Sunday morning after 11 o’clock. I can’t remember the last time I slept that late without being disturbed. After realizing I still had my bodily functions and was mentally okay, I noticed something else that surprised me. I felt very different. I felt younger. My mind was clearer. I was at complete peace.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with raisins, I was reminded why I felt so differently. I got some rest! My mind and body was renewed and rejuvenated.  I’ve always been a believer of getting the proper rest, and now I know that I know…rest is a secret weapon to living life to the fullest. Rest is the secret to dealing with the battles and bumps of life. Mentally, spiritually, and emotionally…rest is the answer. I’m not the only one saying this, Jesus said it too! If He said it, it’s got to be true!

As I basked in my newness, I considered the benefits of spiritual rest in Jesus. Resting in Jesus would give me more mental space and energy. If I cast my cares on Him like He told me to, I would have more mental space to enjoy the abundant life, unspeakable joy, and perfect peace God promised me. Rest!  I know what the busy woman reading this is saying…”When do I have time to rest?” Well, you either make time to rest or end up resting in a hospital bed or six feet under because you’ve run yourself in the ground – literally. Oops! Did I go there? Maybe I got too much rest! 

Find the GoOD in it

I have a friend who needs a kidney transplant, one who needs a heart transplant, one who recently found out her nervous system is out of whack, and one going through radiation treatments. These health issues are far more serious than the recent diagnosis of my severe nasal infection requiring surgery. My health issue doesn’t compare to waiting on an organ or another chance at life. Regardless of my many symptoms and discomfort, someone would love to swap health concerns with me. I try to remember things could always be worse – regardless of my circumstances. In every aspect of my life, I attempt to see not only the good in it, but I pray to see God in it. Self-centered may be my nature, but Christ-centered is my calling. Having a pity party may be my desire, yet prayer and praise is His will. Of course, I could ask for immediate healing, but going through this health storm will increase my faith, trust, and intimacy with my Heavenly Father, not to mention the wisdom and knowledge I’ll gain. 

Getting to know God on a higher level calls for a storm on a higher level. My storm is here. Have your way, Lord! My peace comes from knowing God is with me and knows what is best for me. I’m also reminded this situation is not all about me. My sons’ prayer life will strengthen as they watch mama go through this health storm. Hubby will also be touched as well as others walking through this storm with me. Who knows, you may be touched! Have your way, Lord! Hey, one good thing about this is I have a lot more writing material coming my way! Talk about finding the good! What are you going through today? What’s your financial, family, health, marriage, or career issue? Things could be worse! Ask God to help you see the good and the God in it, then watch your perspective change.

The Hype

While grocery shopping this weekend, I saw a woman with four little girls. The little girls were chatty and full of energy, yet the woman was quiet and her face was full of frustration and fatigue. As I walked out of the store, I saw her sitting and immediately said a prayer for her. I wondered how many times I looked like that woman without being aware of it - you never know who is watching you. 

The holiday season is here and there will be more than a few faces of frustration and fatigue. I refuse to be one of them. The holidays are supposed to be full of joy, peace, and love - at least that's what the greeting cards say! It's so easy to get caught in the hype of shopping, grumbling, and having no peace of mind. One good thing about getting caught in the hype is the stress. The stress can be used to remind me to place my focus back on the joyous reason for the season. The stress can remind me to check myself, my spending, and event planning. The stress can remind me of what's important. I will remember that I create my own stress. If I become frustrated and fatigued, it's my fault. I don't want to be Santa Claus making my list and checking it twice. I want to be like a child full of joy and anticipation for the big celebration instead of being full of anxiety and dreading the occasion. Yuck! It takes being in tune to God's Spirit to create an atmosphere of joy, peace, and love in the home - anytime of the year. The atmosphere in my home is a reflection of God's peace in my heart. I want His peace not only during the holiday season, but every day of the year. The hype will pass away, but the joyous reason for the season lingers throughout the year.

Blue Plate Special

Firstborn had the blue plate special yesterday morning for breakfast. Not the blue plate special you’re familiar with, but we have a large, beautiful, blue plate used only for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or anything the family deems worthy of recognition. Firstborn was the recipient of the blue plate yesterday; we celebrated his birthday. His meal was served on the special, blue plate, which is engraved with the words ‘cherish the moment’ on it. Although it was Firstborn’s special day, the words spoke to me. My first product of pleasure was born sixteen years ago and I didn’t think I would be able to handle it well. A few weeks ago, I had to call my younger sister to help me through a sobbing moment as I thought about Firstborn turning sixteen. My baaaaby is growing up! I figured if I cried early, I’d be okay on his birthday, which is today. 

As I handed Firstborn the blue plate, I realized I needed to cherish the moment rather than focusing on years gone by. That very moment was a moment to cherish. Every moment with my two sons is a precious moment to cherish. I can miss out on these moments by focusing on the past. It’s okay to look at baby pictures and remember their toddler times, but I was taking it to another level - I wanted to stop time.  Motherhood is my greatest joy and watching my sons grow up is bittersweet, if that makes any sense. Firstborn may not need me as he did in younger years, but as a teenager; he needs me in another way. I’m okay! I’m still Mama and will always be. I’m learning to cherish the moments as they quickly pass by without trying to hold on to them. Each season of motherhood brings new beginnings, new issues, new tests, and new moments to cherish.

Cherish the moment and enjoy this day of mothering!

 

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Are You Covered?

Firstborn had his last football game Thursday and had to be at basketball practice at 6 a.m. this morning. I was pleasantly surprised to see him awake without my prompting. He plugged in the iron and I immediately questioned why he didn’t get his clothes ready the night before. Just as soon as those words came out of my mouth, I realized he was doing his best. Good grief, LaVender, give the boy a break! We got out of the house in time, prayed in the car, and we were on our way. No words were spoken on the drive (too early for him), but as he got out of the car I told him how proud I was of his initiative to get up and ready on time and we exchanged the fist bump. 

No one wants the voice of a nag in their ear first thing in the morning. I try so hard to send my husband and children off on a joyful note. Their entire day can be set up or set off by the words I speak. This is just one reason I awake early before my household stirs. Spending quiet time with the Master enables me to see the good in others and have more compassion. I need God’s Spirit to cover me before I interact with anyone. It makes a huge difference in my day when my mind is set on Him. It’s almost a guarantee to come in contact with someone having a bad day or a grumpy attitude. Their lack of peace doesn’t have to shake my peace! Their negative words don’t have to influence my thinking! Their actions don’t have to turn me into a nag or complainer! Yes, that precious time alone with God is my protection. Protection from others and protection from my Self! Ouch! Are you protected this morning? If not, steal away for a moment and get covered; it’ll help you find the good in all things!