A few years ago, a pastor shared a message that I will never forget. He and his wife had worked with international students as their full-time ministry for years, and the majority of students they worked with happened to come from Asian countries. Throughout his years working with these students, he became familiar with the various languages they spoke. As he attempted to relate his messages and conversations to his students, he learned more about the meanings of the characters in the Asian languages. What he shared with us during his memorable sermon was this: there is no character for the word "busy." or "busy-ness." Instead you must combine two characters to create this word. The two characters that must be combined are "soul" and "death." Does that make anyone else stop in their tracks?!?
As soon as the pastor presented this, it resonated with me. We live in a world that puts an incredible amount of value on doing more, learning more, accomplishing more, making more money, achieving more accolades, having more followers, reaching more people...the list is truly endless. And it is exhausting! I do not think this is the life God designed us for. The very thought that busy-ness is equated to the 'death of my soul' makes me cringe. And it leads me to take a step back and reexamine my own habits and schedule.
As I sit here on this snowy morning, I am reminded of the truly important things in my life. My husband and son. My family and friends. The health and well-being of these people and myself. My relationship with the One who created me and guides me daily. And serving others through the work I am blessed with and a community I dearly love.
Now, I am not saying that we should not be productive citizens. But we have a tendency to overdo it...and I think it is important to ask ourselves the question, "Why?" For what purpose? It is so easy to get caught up in the worldly competition to do more/be more/create more so that others will take notice and reward you with praise. This is a dangerous competition and one that can never truly be won. Man's praise may feel good, but it is fleeting and it shouldn't be our goal.
We are called to work as if working for God and not for man (Colossians 3:23). Work is good; it provides benefits both for ourselves and for others. But when work dominates our life and takes precedence over the things of eternal importance, it can be devastating to our well-being. Find a happy balance. I am writing this to both you and myself! I too need reminders to slow down and refresh my soul so that I can better serve those in my care (my family, friends, students and community).
And so today, I am gifting myself with a day of rest. I am not sleeping in or loafing around the house in my pajamas. I am still doing my job - I will coach my athletes and teach my students. I will take care of our home. But, I am intentionally taking time to recharge my battery, to spend time in prayer and reflection and perhaps to catch up on a few things that I have neglected in the busy-ness of life. This rest is a gift that I am welcoming with open arms.
My idea of rest is a quiet house, a good cup of coffee, a hot bubble bath (if time allows) and some time to read and reflect. This morning, I pulled out a bible study I had started months ago, but never finished, and flipped through my journal. I ran across some of my favorite verses. Beautiful reminders of finding joy daily; in the mundane, in both the struggles and in the good that surrounds us, if we have eyes to seek it. So, let me share with you these verses and how they speak truth into my life.
Proverbs 4:23
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
John 16:33
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
James 1:1-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (Read all of John 15:1-17 ~ it is the most beautiful illustration of God's love for us and our fullness in Him.)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Micah 6:8
"...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
I love to look back in my journals and see what was speaking to me at various points in my life. These are some of my favorite verses, and were all recorded on the same journal page with the following notes:
These verses all intertwine and speak a similar message for my life. If I remain in Him, pray continually, guard my heart and count my struggles as joyful opportunities for growth, then...God will prune anything unfruitful in my life, grant me peace, make me mature and complete and lead me daily.
What a wonderful reminder on this calm and quiet day. This is just what my soul needed, and I hope it speaks to yours as well.
May you all find some time to give your soul rest today as well.
Blessings friends!
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