As it turned out, the Fourth of July weekend this year turned into four days off work. That almost never happens in my world, so I spent a minute considering how to spend it.
Laying in bed binge-watching all four seasons of The Chosen came to mind, and my aching body was in complete agreement until I made the mistake of looking at the app that contains my to-do list. There would be no binge-watching anything on TV, and laying in bed sadly remained a night-time activity.
Rather than complain and have a miserable holiday weekend, I found great satisfaction in getting up early and knocking a big chunk off that list each day. Lights that didn’t work do now, stuff got put away that sorely needed it, and that pile of paper on my desk got sorted and has either been shredded or has found a proper home in a neatly organized folder. I could use another four-day weekend to eliminate the entire list but I am glad I did the work as the pressure of knowing it was getting neglected is gone.
We moved to Florida three years ago because Ana and I love the beach and especially the Ocean. The beaches where we live are never that busy so time there is usually solitary time spent with God in one of the most beautiful places he created for us to enjoy.
We made time during the day to hit the beach so the kids could ride their boogie boards while I bobbed around in the waves making sure they didn’t drown.
Something predictable happens when we go to the beach. We have an amazing time. The time there is phone-free and stress-free, with no kids fighting, we have tons of laughs, hunt for sea shells and marine life, and none of us ever wants to leave. And when we get home, everyone is content, easy to get along with, and we all love on each other more than usual.
While lists are good, they should not run your life.
While work is good, and we should approach it with a spirit of excellence and commitment, it should not be where you exhaust yourself so you have nothing left for anyone or anything else. Sometimes resting is the best thing you can do for yourself and for those you love. Other times resting is an escape and it accomplishes nothing positive. God wants us to rest, but not run from our problems and challenges. Instead he wants us to give them to Him so he can take care of them and often he strengthens us, and empowers us to take care of our problems with him.
And sometimes the best rest is doing something you enjoy with people you love so you draw closer to them and them to you.
But time in prayer and reading the Bible renews us, strengthens us, and draws us closer to God so the burden of life’s problems are not ours to carry on our own. He shoulders them with and for us, and he restores us in the process.
This scripture has always reminded me of what I need to do when life becomes too much. And things always get turned around when I turn to God.
Phillipians 4:6-7 NKJV
6. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Mark 11:23-24 NKJV
23. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
24. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Psalms 68:35 – NKJV
35. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
