Please Inspire Me!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 (ESV)
It’s Sunday. Snow is falling. A squirrel is at the feeder selfishly claiming all the seeds and chasing the cardinal away. Gabby, the cat, is asleep in the chair next to me. My coffee is still hot. Laundry is finished. I don’t have to cook dinner because we have leftovers. The to-do list is down to one or two things.
Why don’t I have a clue what to write about today? It took me forever to decide what to wear to church. The day progressed. At church I still didn’t feel very upbeat about any single thought or phrase. However, I did take notes.
After a four-hour nap, I sat down again to write. The sermon today was titled, “Welcoming Christ’s Rest.” I stopped and read my notes several times. What if today I was just supposed to slow down and rest. You’re thinking: She’s already home recovering from a broken pelvis and knee surgery. What could she possibly have on her to-do list? Well, I write for two churches now, send thinking-of-you cards (weekly), send encouraging texts to my family, get choir music ready, and call shut-ins. That’s just a start. But not today.
I realized I have been letting the clock dictate my activities, responding to ticking timekeepers even in my recovery and rehab. Today was very different but much needed. I didn’t become frustrated with my lack of inspiration.
Today I caught a good glimpse of rest. It’s not an escape or withdrawal from life, it is freedom. Who is the clock watcher? Certainly not our Creator. He invites us to be present in the moment and forget that urge to be everything to everyone around us. He just wants us to be faithful. What matters most? Our rest in Him. It is there that we find transformation and revival. The world would like to measure our work in minutes. He wants us to breathe in and out, finding our center in Him.
Yes, He is amazing and He does inspire me. He forced me into that mindset today and I will be forever thankful. During this Lenten season, learn to be present and experience a sacred pause.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your inspiration and guidance. Please teach us to be present in each moment and to rest in You during this Lenten season and always. AMEN.
Thank you, Pastor Liz, for your much-needed message today.