Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Rest...


Not something I am getting a lot of these days. In all honesty, becoming the mother of two children is one of the hardest things I have ever done. 

When one is satisfied, the other is needy. 

I have been impatient, and at times- too many times- I have been less than merciful or kind. (Galatians 5:22)

I have been broken by my sin.

My heart has been broken over the... shall we say- less transformed or conformed areas of my life. (Romans 12:2)

 I have wept over my lack of rest.

And then, I have been reminded:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

" "... and I will give you rest" - that is, "I will sustain you, causing you to stand firm". He is not saying, "I will put you to bed, hold your hand and sing you to sleep". In essence, He is saying, "I will get you out of bed- out of your listlessness and exhaustion, and out of your condition of being half dead while you are still alive. I will penetrate you with the Spirit of life, and you will be sustained by the perfection of vital activity." Yet we become so weak and pitiful and talk about "suffering" the will of the Lord! Where is the majestic vitality and the power of the Son of God in that?"  (Oswald Chambers)

I am reminded that I must shine with the love of Christ, in order for my children to "shine as stars". (Philippians 2:15)

I am reminded that I must be filled by Him in order to do so. (Galatians 5:16)

And then, I am filled and revitalized by His presence and resurrection power. 

I am rested.

I am satisfied.

I am grateful to be the mother of two.

I am dependent, moment by moment, on His grace.