in pursuit.

Recently, I sat down to talk with a friend about work, family, responsibilities that lay ahead, significant concerns about all of the above.  I was just finishing a week of VBS, which I completely love, for all kinds of reasons.  But VBS means high energy over many hours, so I was pretty well spent and planning to take some days off following.  As we talked, the friend looked me in the eye and said, "I am challenging you to courageously pursue rest." 
I don't think I said anything, but I understood what he meant. Maybe because I understand the absence of rest and how hard it is to come by.  Don't get me wrong, I take the 20 minute nap on occasion (ask my kids).  I say no to things.  I feel no compulsion to take on a task to improve my reputation.  But that is more akin to survival than actual rest, at least for me.  It doesn't stop my brain spinning possibilities, or the looking over list of responsibilities I've fallen short on. 
So, last week, I went in pursuit.  It certainly helped to be in a perfectly lovely setting, with a perfectly lovely friend to talk to and laugh with.  Abandoning a schedule is a plus.  Sleep is a real bonus.  But getting quiet...inside my own head...setting aside the lists and the spinning was the toughest, and of course, most restful.  Taking in and enjoying the rest found in God's beautiful creation was fuller and more relaxing, with more openness to His word.    I could have stayed longer, frankly, but the rehab was enough to reengage, I think.  And hopefully, I've returned more willing to find ways in my everyday world to rest in Christ.  Feel free to remind me of these words; no doubt I'll need it.  For now, I challenge you to your own courageous pursuit.  Rest.