Not because I was sad. Or mad.
I shed a tear because I was tired.
T. I. R. E. D.
T otally
I gnoring
R est
E vokes
D isaster
I was beside of myself with fatigue. Once I get to that place, nothing is right with the world. My children are a nuisance, fixing dinner is an intrusion of sanity, Brent can do nothing right, laundry is my opponent, even washing my face before bed seems an impossible task.
Lately, I have Totally Ignored Rest. And that Evoked Disaster.
"I just feel like no one listens to me. The boys have been so disrespectful, all I have gotten from them is push back. My full-time job as a mom is completely thankless. Luke has gone backwards with potty training. No one appreciates anything I do. {I know, right, grab a tissue - sniff sniff} Our schedule has been too busy. I just want to sit on the couch, for once, and read Southern Living. I just want to rest."
Jesus had to address the need for rest to his very busy disciples. Those twelve men had been in the thick of a brand new ministry, they followed Jesus everywhere he went, they had braved a rocky storm, watched Jesus calm the sea, walk on water and had just heard of the recent death of John the Baptist. Jesus had to instruct them - slow down.
Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while. Mark 6:31
Rest (anapauĊ) - to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength.
I don't do this well. At all.
To cease from movement means something isn't getting done.
But Jesus knew what was ahead, didn't he? He knew that within a few hours they were going to be asked to feed five thousand people. He knew within the next few weeks they would take in more teaching than they had ever heard before, be told of his coming death, break bread and drink wine at the last supper and watch their Lord crucified on Calvary.
Come away by yourselves...and rest awhile. - Mark 6:31
God knows what is ahead of us, too. He knows how much strength we need.
My ignoring the need for rest is a denial that God will take care of whatever I need to leave alone.
I must practice the art of rest. If not for my own sanity then out of obedience to the Word of God. I must practice the art of rest to exercise my trust in the One who came to give me rest.
This weekend I choose rest.
Do you struggle with being T.I.R.E.D?
Is finding rest difficult for you?
love my morning cup of joe! thanks~
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this. I've got some time off before my work gets hectic again and it is important for me to remember for now and for late that Rest wasn't just a suggestion, but also a command
ReplyDeleteGirl, we are SO much alike! I don't do rest well, and I pay for it in much the same way that you described. I never associated it with trust, but that totally makes sense. My counselor has pointed out that I can't even sit still. I'm always moving or fidgeting. He's like, "What are you afraid of?" For me, it all goes back to trusting the One who's in control. Thank you for this! I must practice the art of rest!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and encouraging post! I find it so hard to trust Him to take care of what I put off by resting, just like you said. Oh so convicting! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to reading more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteThis is where I am living right now Becky. God has me a place of desperately realizing how badly I need rest and must trust Him. It is such a struggle, but I'm moving toward Him and rest. We're in it together...
ReplyDeleteLove The TIRED acrostic. That is exactly how it happens in our house when mama is tired. In recent months I have paid much closer attention to my body and emotions and have realized that less than 8 hours of sleep each night is counter-productive, no matter how much I think making coffee at 7 pm and burning the midnight oil is the better way! Thanks for this post, Becky. I hope you start your week resting in Him! :) Stephanie P.
ReplyDelete