When I read your posts it seems as though you have read my thoughts entirely... I've been praying through the Lord's Prayer most mornings recently, paying particular attention to "..give us this day our daily bread.." no more, no less - just what I need for today. I find rest for my mind in this...
As a teacher who experienced the most challenging year of my career, and with school just ending 4 days ago, this all rang so true and I am longing to soak up the rest you are describing. I am so thankful that we have a good shepherd who has this goal for us.
O Sara, it's as if you've been sitting on my back porch for a while, watching and listening to my inner wrestling on this very topic! I'm so grateful for your deep thoughts and insights and yes, I'd be glad to join you in seeking "this better rest."
Beautiful words, friend. My nine year old Austyn’s favorite song that she asks for on repeat these days is “You Can Rest” by Hillary Scott. Have you heard it?
Thankful for this share. Hearing from you always bring my heart peace-filled hope! 🙏🏼
What a treat to receive your monthly letter on my birthday! For years I have been wanting to take the day off from work during my birthday and I have never done it, but today I did and it has been wonderful. I am reading your words as I eat a peach in the balcony of my apartment that overlooks New York City on a sunny and hazy day.
My job is exciting but also very demanding, to the point that bathroom breaks are few, the day is crammed with back-to-back 15 minute meetings from 8 to 5 non-stop and the stress lingers sometimes even capturing my dreams at night as I attempt to solve client-related problems in my sleep.
I am about to go on maternity leave to adopt a girl outside of the U.S. and as a mom, I know maternity isn't rest, but I am looking forward to breaking from the corporate world for a few months as I bond with my little one.
Rest comes in different ways, I asked the Lord for my birthday to give me joy. My type-A, straight-face personality needs a break ;). I want my kids to remember me as one who smiles and is full of the joy of the Lord rather than an overworked grumpy momma.
I imagine my husband is growing tired of hearing me say, "I just need some rest. I'm so tired and weak." Thank you so much for this. I'm with you in the curiosity and need for "a better rest." -And just reading the description of your previous restful season made my body relax! :)
Thanks, Sara. It's winter Down Under and I'm in a transition phase of life. Having cared for both Mum and Dad these past few years, the Lord has something else in store for me now. I'm ready but caring for loved ones has been surprisingly exhausting especially emotionally. So I'm taking slow steps into the future.
Like you've holding onto Jesus's easy yoke ... seeking to keep Jesus in mind. I read something yesterday that quoted this line from Dallas Willard - "You don't have to make it happen." Christ dwells in us but we seek to control, make things happen, but Dallas is saying (I think) that we don't have to because Jesus wants to! That's part of the deal of the new life ("the reality of the resurrection") He offers us, I think?
Count me in to being curious together, Sara. :)
BTW, Nate will love James Bryan Smith new book (out today) - The Good and Beautiful You - I think you would too, Sara. :)
Praying a restful summer for you, Nate and the H7.
I just read A Winter Rose a few weeks back -- so grateful for the recommendation! I'll share this one you suggest with Nate. He just started Resilient -- by Eldredge. And your mention of Dallas Willard makes me wonder if you've read the book Renovated as he was mentioned several times in that book.
Oh, I'm so pleased you enjoyed Melanie's book, Sara. I had a hunch Nate would be reading Eldredge's latest. I'm loving the updated Pause App meditations that go with the book.
And I'm just finishing Renovation of the Heart now. I've been making my way slowly through it as well. Jim Smith is a Willard student ... having read most of Eldredge's books I'm pleased he's now referring to Willard's material.
When I read your posts it seems as though you have read my thoughts entirely... I've been praying through the Lord's Prayer most mornings recently, paying particular attention to "..give us this day our daily bread.." no more, no less - just what I need for today. I find rest for my mind in this...
I love this idea to pray through the Lord's prayer ...
As a teacher who experienced the most challenging year of my career, and with school just ending 4 days ago, this all rang so true and I am longing to soak up the rest you are describing. I am so thankful that we have a good shepherd who has this goal for us.
O Sara, it's as if you've been sitting on my back porch for a while, watching and listening to my inner wrestling on this very topic! I'm so grateful for your deep thoughts and insights and yes, I'd be glad to join you in seeking "this better rest."
Let's go get coffee! I miss you, friend :)
Yes, I’d sure love that! ❤️
Beautiful words, friend. My nine year old Austyn’s favorite song that she asks for on repeat these days is “You Can Rest” by Hillary Scott. Have you heard it?
Thankful for this share. Hearing from you always bring my heart peace-filled hope! 🙏🏼
Ooh -- I will look this up!!
What a treat to receive your monthly letter on my birthday! For years I have been wanting to take the day off from work during my birthday and I have never done it, but today I did and it has been wonderful. I am reading your words as I eat a peach in the balcony of my apartment that overlooks New York City on a sunny and hazy day.
My job is exciting but also very demanding, to the point that bathroom breaks are few, the day is crammed with back-to-back 15 minute meetings from 8 to 5 non-stop and the stress lingers sometimes even capturing my dreams at night as I attempt to solve client-related problems in my sleep.
I am about to go on maternity leave to adopt a girl outside of the U.S. and as a mom, I know maternity isn't rest, but I am looking forward to breaking from the corporate world for a few months as I bond with my little one.
Rest comes in different ways, I asked the Lord for my birthday to give me joy. My type-A, straight-face personality needs a break ;). I want my kids to remember me as one who smiles and is full of the joy of the Lord rather than an overworked grumpy momma.
Such sweet and tender birthday thoughts, Carolina ... also sound like they come from the "nesting" place, pre-"baby" ;)
"...slow and savory." YES! But thanks for the prompt to look for the "better rest." I like this idea!
I imagine my husband is growing tired of hearing me say, "I just need some rest. I'm so tired and weak." Thank you so much for this. I'm with you in the curiosity and need for "a better rest." -And just reading the description of your previous restful season made my body relax! :)
Once again you know me so well Sara!! Thank you for the tender reminder of where true rest is found in chaos😘
❤️
Thanks, Sara. It's winter Down Under and I'm in a transition phase of life. Having cared for both Mum and Dad these past few years, the Lord has something else in store for me now. I'm ready but caring for loved ones has been surprisingly exhausting especially emotionally. So I'm taking slow steps into the future.
Like you've holding onto Jesus's easy yoke ... seeking to keep Jesus in mind. I read something yesterday that quoted this line from Dallas Willard - "You don't have to make it happen." Christ dwells in us but we seek to control, make things happen, but Dallas is saying (I think) that we don't have to because Jesus wants to! That's part of the deal of the new life ("the reality of the resurrection") He offers us, I think?
Count me in to being curious together, Sara. :)
BTW, Nate will love James Bryan Smith new book (out today) - The Good and Beautiful You - I think you would too, Sara. :)
Praying a restful summer for you, Nate and the H7.
I just read A Winter Rose a few weeks back -- so grateful for the recommendation! I'll share this one you suggest with Nate. He just started Resilient -- by Eldredge. And your mention of Dallas Willard makes me wonder if you've read the book Renovated as he was mentioned several times in that book.
Oh, I'm so pleased you enjoyed Melanie's book, Sara. I had a hunch Nate would be reading Eldredge's latest. I'm loving the updated Pause App meditations that go with the book.
And I'm just finishing Renovation of the Heart now. I've been making my way slowly through it as well. Jim Smith is a Willard student ... having read most of Eldredge's books I'm pleased he's now referring to Willard's material.
Me too, dear Sara. Me too!!!
😊
I truly love Hebrews 4 and have contemplated the various ways rest applies to our lives—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Thanks.