A time to rest

I was told it is now 70 days until Rwanda.  Once my racing heart regained steady beating, I realized how incredibly thankful I was for this past weekend.  Yes, I am a bit sleepy today, but aside from lacking a bit of sleep, my heart is filled to overflowing with a peace and restfulness I haven't experienced for a long time.  Years ago, I watched good friends step out on a journey of faith that took them across the country.  I saw their willingness to lay down comfort and security and move their family  into a whole new world.  In the months and years that have followed, there have been joys and tears, ups and downs.  What has stood strong, though, is their steady, undeniable faith that they are exactly where God wants them.  

As the journey to Rwanda unfolded, my long-distance friend has prayed for me, encouraged me and faithfully reminded me that when God opens doors, He gives us the strength and wisdom to walk through them.  I promised her that if we were to go to Rwanda, I would visit her first.  God opened the door for both myself and my oldest to visit their family south of Ottawa this weekend.  The trip can be summed up with GOD IS GOOD!

It wasn't about earth-shattering revelation or ground-breaking fundraising, or even being "productive".  Agendas were left at home, when my son and I boarded that plane east.  The weekend was filled with laughter, long talks, great coffee (not Tim Hortons :), sharing what God has been doing, tears, and blessed friendship.  I was understood.  As I come home to a mountain of paperwork, huge "to-do" lists, and a home to pack, the enormity of what needs to be done is there, but the feeling of being overwhelmed, exhausted and drained has left.  

I am reminded of a passage in Matthew, where Jesus offers rest:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NLT)

Rest is more than a gift from God, it is a need.  He set the example after creation, when God rested on the 7th day.  If God, in all His strength and glory, took time to rest (or demonstrate the need for rest), how much more should we?  Speaking from experience, I needed a time to pull away from everything and am able to come back refreshed and filled on a whole new level.  Rest is vital in order to keep moving forward.  

God has offered it to us for a reason.  It is a gift, don't be afraid to take it . . .trust me, you will not  regret it!