My family moved around a lot when I was growing up. Regardless of where we went, I made it a point to find a place where I could go to be alone, to write, to talk with God, to yell at the sky if I needed to. If we were to reminisce, I would tell you stories of chairs made by gnarled tree roots and logs by the creek. There were several baseball fields and park benches. There was a park with hills. There was a backyard that caught the sunlight just so. In Canton, there is a gazebo. It's also a dock. This is it:
I've found myself here several times in the last week. It's easy to feel peaceful when I feel the last breezes of summer brushing my cheeks and feel the water on my feet. I feel closer to the LORD in places like this, the solitary spaces where the created can meet the Creator face-to-face.
The LORD called me to Georgia to rest. I'm not exactly sure what that's traditionally supposed to look like, but so far, it has meant long hours of–as my grandmother used to put it–"contemplating my navel".
Honestly, I feel that I'm a little at war with myself on this front. What does it mean to "rest"? And how much "rest" is necessary before it's alright to get doing again?
Tomorrow, I'm headed for Gainesville to help on the Serve Team for the Awakening, which brings alumni from every World Race together to celebrate and remember what the LORD has done through Race. They were our trainers, cooks, chauffers, and toilet-scrubbers during Training Camp in July. It's an honor to be able to serve them now, and, honestly, a relief to feel useful.
I think what I'm realizing is that to me, sitting around the house doing nothing isn't restful. In fact, it's downright difficult. There's only so much time I can spend contemplating anything before that contemplation turns to worry turns to fear. And while I think that the quiet peace I've had at the gazebo allows me the necessary time and space to be introspective, I know that my time could–at this point–be more happily utilized by doing something. There's a lot of peace in doing the LORD's work.
There is a balance that I need to learn to make between these beautiful times of resting in HIS LOVE while looking over HIS CREATION and finding peace in doing HIS WORK among HIS PEOPLE. I rarely feel more connected to HIM than I do when solitary in some kind of nature but tomorrow–and over this year in general– I want to connect with HIM while serving HIS beloved. I'm pretty excited for that.
I pray you know rest this week, however you need to find it. If that means having a NCIS-marathon-in-you-pajamas day, then please go do it. If it means climbing a 14er (or two) this weekend, then please do! I pray that the LORD speaks to your heart as you take time to rest and be as still or productive as your version of rest is. I pray He speaks your love language. Most of all, I pray you feel loved. You are.
Here are some things I'm thankful for this week:
1. An hour and a half drive tomorrow. Roadtrips are good for my soul.
—also, a working car that will get me to Gainesville. 🙂 (Go Jacks!)
2. Time with my parents this month. They have been an INCREDIBLE blessing and encouragement and support throughout this whole process.
3. A team that writes encouraging, uplifting blogs. If you haven't been reading my teammate's blogs, you need to. These men and women are unbelievable people of faith. You can read their blogs by clicking on their names on the left side of this page.
4. Continued financial support. As of today I am $4000 away from being fully funded! That blows me away!! Thank you for believing in this journey and what the LORD has called me to, the work He is doing already. If you feel like contributing to my support account, PLEASE click on the "Support Me!" Link on the left side of this page.
5. Rest.
"The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The LORD lift up His countence upon you and give you PEACE." (Numbers 6:23-27)
Blessings,
Heather
