The Journey of Rest
Earlier this year, I set out to have my "word for the year." Something that was going to set the tone for my year. Last year, I spent mostly pregnant and just not feeling like myself. I was in bed most days and had no motivation for anything. My word that year was create. I decided to adopt the same word because I wasn't happy with how I ended the year. I didn't create a single thing (only Frankie, which I am very grateful for her little life). It quickly became clear that the Lord had a different word in mind for me— rest. It seemed like everywhere I looked, I could feel the Lord tell me that this year was about rest. Slowing down, and return to a garden-like state.
Then COVID-19 hit. And if I didn't understand before, it was now clear that my word was rest. I have this terribly, insistent need to have "arrived." I find the journey painfully slow. No surprise. However, lately its like the Lord has been speaking to me about this. A few months ago we went on a long family road trip that was over the course of 8 days. We stoped in several different places, went on hikes, and visited friends and family. It was lovely. I spent the first few days itching to get to where we needed to be next. I just wanted to get to a place so we could have our vacation. What I didn't realize was that the journey was just as important as the end destination.
For the last few weeks, my temple heart took a few days to really sit still. To just be. I've had to fight the urge from saying, "Okay, I've rested, now what?" Because I knew if I uttered those words, then I really wasn't getting the point. If I have learned anything from walking with my God, it's that He is more interested in my journey than I have a need to feel like I've "arrived." He cares more about my process.
Then COVID-19 hit. And if I didn't understand before, it was now clear that my word was rest. I have this terribly, insistent need to have "arrived." I find the journey painfully slow. No surprise. However, lately its like the Lord has been speaking to me about this. A few months ago we went on a long family road trip that was over the course of 8 days. We stoped in several different places, went on hikes, and visited friends and family. It was lovely. I spent the first few days itching to get to where we needed to be next. I just wanted to get to a place so we could have our vacation. What I didn't realize was that the journey was just as important as the end destination.
For the last few weeks, my temple heart took a few days to really sit still. To just be. I've had to fight the urge from saying, "Okay, I've rested, now what?" Because I knew if I uttered those words, then I really wasn't getting the point. If I have learned anything from walking with my God, it's that He is more interested in my journey than I have a need to feel like I've "arrived." He cares more about my process.
SONG OF SONGS 2:10-15 (TPT)
The one I love calls to me:
The Bridegroom-King
Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling.
Come away with me!
I have come as you have asked
to draw you to my heart and lead you out.
For now is the time, my beautiful one.
The season has changed,
the bondage of your barren winter has ended,
and the season of hiding is over and gone.
The rains have soaked the earth
and left it bright with blossoming flowers.
The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived.
I hear the cooing of doves in our land,
filling the air with songs to awaken you
and guide you forth.
Can you not discern this new day of destiny
breaking forth around you?
The early signs of my purposes and plans
are bursting forth.
The budding vines of new life
are now blooming everywhere.
The fragrance of their flowers whispers,
“There is change in the air.”
Arise, my love, my beautiful companion,
and run with me to the higher place.
For now is the time to arise and come away with me.
For you are my dove, hidden in the split-open rock.
It was I who took you and hid you up high
in the secret stairway of the sky.
Let me see your radiant face and hear your sweet voice.
How beautiful your eyes of worship
and lovely your voice in prayer.
You must catch the troubling foxes,
those sly little foxes that hinder our relationship.
For they raid our budding vineyard of love
to ruin what I’ve planted within you.
Will you catch them and remove them for me?
We will do it together.
There are somethings you don't know until you succumb to the stillness, when all the fluff of life is gone. Who are we when all that is stripped away? What friendships matter? What kind of parents are we when we let go of our activities and rigid schedules? What kind of people are we when we lose the facade? In this season, we've been given the gift of time. We are in need of learning to rest and reflect. This is a Divine pause—use it wisely! Take a walk, create art, have a meaningful conversation, eat a good meal— connect with the Creator! He's all around you, present for it all, in the little and the mundane. He stands witness to our lives and nothing is wasted in His presence. Actively practice Sabbath with Him.
xx
Luna
Luna
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