There is a lot going on out there in the world today. If we aren’t careful, we can become practically fully focused on the negative because there is, no doubt, much negative that can be focused upon. Taking a step back and looking at the bright side of things may not be easy at times, but with prayer and practice, it can be done.
Last Saturday, Steve came down with something. He tried to go on about his business, but he had to come back in and rest…he was down for the count. I was fine and went on to work, and to church the next day. I tried hard to avoid it. As I treated him, I washed my hands…over and over…no kissing on those days! But—by Monday evening it was pretty evident that it was getting me, too. By Tuesday, I was down for the count! Steve felt better fairly quickly (although he didn’t quite feel like going back to work as quick as he thought he did). I was hoping my recovery would be just as quick. Our symptoms were similar but not identical. I had more energy by Wednesday, but by Thursday night, my face was hurting…and continued to bother me to some degree into Friday. With prayer, home remedies, and some over-the-counter medicine, by Friday evening, I had turned the corner…however, I still didn’t feel like doing as much as I thought I would on Saturday. I said all that to tell you this…
I really didn’t want to get sick, but I prayed and trusted the Lord. I can now see how it was a blessing in disguise. I like feeling great, but if I’m not careful, I can tend to be a little over-ambitious with my goals when I’m feeling well. The goals I set for myself may not appear overly ambitious to someone else, but we are each unique and need to individually and honestly evaluate. I crave and pray for balance because I know that we are made for work, and I desire and enjoy it (most of it!); but I truly believe that we are also made to rest and play—or have fun…which I also desire and enjoy.
With starting a brand new business this year, my summer has looked different than some summers. I ended up choosing not to open our above-ground pool, which was a good decision for this season, but have noticed that I haven’t been outside as much as in the past. We didn’t take a vacation except for a short two-day trip, which was great, but not a full-on week of fun and relaxation.
Well, most of us wouldn’t want to imagine that a sick week would be a vacation week, but it actually was my blessing in disguise. Granted, I did not feel well at times, but I was able to rest, read, watch some movies, pray; and I found enjoyment in simply sitting by the open windows and watching the blessing of long-awaited rain, and autumn confidently coming into the picture. By the time the weekend came, and I decided that I needed to leave my shop closed and then stay home from church, I began to realize even more-so how much I needed this week to slow down and just be a little more still…a lot less busy. I don’t feel like my schedule is nearly as busy as some, but when you know, you know.
So as this new season marches on, my hope is to remember what I’ve learned, trusting God to help me implement a few changes even if I don’t have it all mapped out just yet. He has answered prayers upon prayers this year, and I believe He wants to continue. When I read scripture, I see clearly the must of good, hard work, but with the balance of rest, visiting, enjoying some good food and fun. From that, I know that He wants the same for us. Be about the Father’s business? Yes! But—may we not forget that, that is part of His business.
So, let me end this by encouraging you to try to see if perhaps there is a silver lining even in the midst of your difficulties. Set aside the time you need to focus on Jesus; pray for others in difficult circumstances; pray for this world and your country; and thank God for those blessings in disguise. Simply celebrate the good that is easily overlooked in the midst of the negatives that are so evident.
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!”
Psalm 97:12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.97.12.ESV
“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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.11.28-30.ESV
And a favorite verse that continues to speak to me and is also fitting here…
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.1.NLT
- NOTE OF CLARIFICATION for those know me fairly well…I did close the shop for a three-week “vacation / stay-cation / work-cation.” During that time, I did take a trip for a few days; however, it was with intentions of working more on writing than on relaxing. So the majority of the three-week stent was more of a “work-cation” than the others mentioned due to a project at home, etc. It was good…but not the kind of vacation I was referring to above. Thank you for reading. 🙂
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 