What is Happening?

We've been to Canada and back. I'm sitting here in the midst of a hot flash. I'm sweating profusely, it is dripping down my back and down my front. I think my insides are on fire. Good grief! Trying to find rest and a quiet moment in the midst of a hot flash - is there anything in the Bible which speaks to that?

Anyway. What is there to do but carry on?

Home was lovely. Home truly is sweet. My mom and dad are so precious. I want to hold their hands and simply be with them and yet I hugged them and said goodbye. I don't think I have words for how I feel right now. Anguish? Longing? Despair? Frustrated? Perhaps I feel parts and pieces of all of those things.

Before we left I prayed for rest. I want to know more so I can live in a way to glorify my Lord.

Rest.

What does it mean? How do I do it amidst the crazy chaos of everyday life?

I have no solid answer, no bullet points, but perhaps I have a whisper of something.

We arrived in Canada Thursday evening. Sunday morning I finally took some time to pick up my Bible to try and catch up on my daily reading plan. I'm currently reading the book of Luke and the Psalms. As I read, something inside quieted down. I wasn't simply reading to check the chapters off my list, although honestly, it was my original intention. I found myself lost in the story.

Jesus and the parables. Jesus and the crowds. Jesus and the miracles. Jesus and what he was trying to teach.

Jesus.

The Psalmist, (I'm reading Psalm 119), talked about obedience, a desire to follow God's precepts, God's way, God's faithfulness to us, and a desire to be faithful to God.

God.

Rest. Jesus. God.

Perhaps the whisper I think I heard has something to do with what I pay attention to? Rest can be found in chaos if we bring ourselves to Jesus and evaluate our situation in the context of his life, his ministry, his kingdom?

Rest is in longing for God's way, his precepts, his concerns and being faithful to his faithfulness to us?

Love. Faithfulness. Those two words keep popping up.

Perhaps rest isn't simply a lack of activity, commotion or chaos but maybe it has more to do with focus? Perspective?

Do we find rest when we cease to focus on ourselves and instead look up, out and to the cross?

"Teach me Lord the way of your decrees,

that I may follow to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward you statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word." (Psalm 119:33-37)