It’s impossible to overestimate the value of intentional rest.
It was a beautiful day on Sunday. Out pastor even joked that it was the second sunny Sunday we have had since January. Although I’m sure that’s not accurate, it certainly felt that way. It was in the seventies and I felt myself longing to get outside. I can always hear God best outside.
I stifled a grumble when I opened the door to my porch. Everything was coated in a blanket of yellow pollen. There were spiderwebs everywhere too. The porch has not officially opened for spring time business and was in desperate need of some bleach and a scrub brush, but I resolved myself to see past the winter grime and just sit and be thankful for the weather.
I had other senses besides my eyes and I was determined to use them. There was a breeze, but it wasn’t cold. The birds were singing. I could hear my neighbor’s chickens clucking and I was reminded of the chickens in my childhood. I smiled and gave a prayer of thanks for the convenience of grocery stores. I do not miss having chickens roaming around.
It wasn’t long before I heard the little girls next door riding around in their Power Wheels tractor. I smiled again remembering my own children’s Power Wheels Jeep and four wheeler. I said a prayer of thanks for my kids and all of the memories of their childhood.
A little while later, I heard a hawk calling. I never saw him, but I knew he was near. I said a prayer of thanks for the wonder of nature. When I heard a bee buzzing, I was thankful that my porch is screened.
I found it interesting that the longer I sat, the more relaxed I became and the more thankful I became. It wasn’t like my to-do list had become any shorter. My daughter had been home from college for a few days and I chose to spend every minute of quality time with her instead of cleaning the house, so the house was as big a mess as the porch was.
Yet, the more time I spent intentionally relaxing, intentionally seeking peace and the presence of God, the less it mattered.
I suppose God knew this when He prescribed for His people a day of rest, a day of reflection, a day of thankfulness, a day of worship. When we take the time to be still and listen, He always makes Himself known and when He makes Himself known, we can’t help, but be filled with peace that can only come from Him.
The dust will continue to pile up long after we’re gone, but the peace and love that we can pass on after spending time with Him, has the potential to change lives. Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you needed reminding today.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂