This month I am relearning some of my biggest and simplest life lessons.
I have a tendency to fill my schedule to the brim. I love moving and getting things done. I love meeting with as many people as I can. I love seeing new things and doing new things. But I have been back here less than a month and many of my responsibilities have slipped as I am distracted by new things. I haven't had a good sabbath rest this month because I fill them up with friends or things to finish up. I haven't journaled or processed a lot of big life things, because I am too tired to even think about pouring myself out- I’m just too busy.
But busyness doesn't just happen to me or you. No one just gets too busy for responsibilities or rest. We choose into busyness. We fill our schedules to the brim and try to jam in as much as we can. Sometimes because the opportunities are too good to resist; often because we are too scared or too exhausted to just sit down with God and really look into our lives. I find that “fear” funny, even though I often have it. Especially because this last week a friend told me a truth that I have ALWAYS known to be true in my life: the HS is gentle with us. In my times of silence with Him, He always gives me what I need: what I need to deal with, what I need to be encouraged with, what I need to be challenged by. He doesn't shame me or even want to, he wants intimacy with me and He will be there when you or I seek Him.
I’m also relearning that the rules my parents had for me when I lived under their roof were there for a reason. Little things like bedtimes and getting your homework done before playing, eating ice-cream before dinner (I didn’t mistype, this was often the case), dealing with your problems and conflicts and even getting chores done are just important things to do in life. I realize that my parents weren’t trying to torture me, they were trying to keep me well rested, they were making me responsible, teaching me its okay to treat myself, they were teaching me to seek peace with my brothers and sisters, and they were just teaching me how to sweep the floor and make sure I had enough clothes clean. They were guiding me with their rules just as God shapes and protects us with His.
I’m choosing to accept God’s grace in how I mess both these things up; I don’t do them perfectly. I’m behind in a lot of ways right now (in sleep and in sending my update to name a few). But I know where to go from here. I can’t believe the lie that my schedule needs to be filled to the brim for God to use me for incredible things! I can’t listen to netflix when it tells me to watch one more show and I need to eat more ice cream! I don’t know what truth’s God is telling you today, but I challenge you to listen. You are His child and His rules and guidance are in love, even when it doesn't always seem fun.