REST

(Katie) God is so good! As James and I prayed about our Summer, we felt that it was to be a time of rest, renewal, and joy! During the Summer, we still live in our apartment, even though the Residence Hall is empty. I have found it challenging to learn how to rest in our apartment because it is the same space that I have challenging student care conversations.

A couple weeks ago, we were invited to house/puppy sit for a week in this beautiful Anne of Green Gables meets Victorian house in downtown Wheaton! Wheaton is known for its beautiful front porches and of course, this home has one, perfect for morning coffee, devotions, and any good book.

A part from being completely spoiled by a shower with 5 faucets and a Jacuzzi, the house also includes Brutus, an English Bull Dog. Before Petland closed, many of you know that I used to find any excuse to go there and hold the English Bull Dog puppies. Brutus is sweet, fun-loving, a total cuddler, and a great companion on the Prairie Path. And, he still carries his blankey around.

I am amazed at how God provided exactly what I needed (in a space) to slow down and refrain from my go-go-go pace of life. Rest is just one of the ways that we receive life from God. We stop, set all of our busyness down, and allow ourselves to be replenished. Rest is supposed to happen regularly, weekly in fact, based on the original Sabbath prescription. Why does a week-long stay in this beautiful house feel like such a luxury?

Perhaps its because I do not regularly stop and ask God, Is this what you'd have me do, Lord? I assume that God wants me to say "YES" to volunteer at church, pursue another new friendship, work late.. fill in the blank. I work really, really hard, resurrect a short vacation, and then try to do it all again. This thinking is prideful and madness. The truth is that my pushing and striving cut me off from the life I so desperately need. God loves me too much to leave me to my own devices of busyness and drivenness.

Psalm 91 says, "The Lord is my Shepherd....I shall not want. In green pastures He gives me rest. Besides quiet waters He leads me. He restores my soul." I'm reminded again how much I need a Shepherd. Without Him, my pace of life is too busy. When I choose to follow my Shepherd, he sets my pace of life. He ensures that I find the pasture. This lifestyle of following the Shepherd is a choice. However, I continue to learn that each time I choose to follow, I always receive life, rest, refreshment, and peace from God. What is the life that God wants you to live?

Below: Brutus....my picture of fully embracing REST!!!