Rest

I don't think Americans are particularly good at rest...at least I'm not. I recognize that a solid work ethic is a good thing and I am thankful for that but as I get older I have found it more and more difficult to actually rest. What is interesting is that I long for rest and I know I need rest and yet it still seems elusive. I remember when I was in kindergarten we used to have to rest. We would all roll our mats out on the floor and lie down. Here we are at the holidays. This is a time where most of us have at least some time off to spend with families and rest. If you are like me you have been looking forward to it. And now we are here. Are you resting? Here at Christmas it seems we have created quite a few musts. Here at the Coffey house we must have a Christmas tree. We must have presents and a scavenger hunt to find the presents. We must have a family feast on Christmas afternoon. I love these musts. I think we should add another. We must rest. I think we should have Christmas mats with little trees and wreaths and pictures of tiny little mangers. I think at a certain time each day during the entire holiday period we should roll them out on the floor and have a mandatory rest. I think Jesus would like that. I have been thinking about the verse, "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am gentle and meek and you will find rest for your souls." Rest is one of the things God knew we needed so when he sent Jesus he made it part of salvation itself. This Christmas go ahead and enjoy the wonder and mystery of the incarnation. Enjoy all the musts your family does. Eat the feast. And don't forget to rest. God loves you. He sent his Son. The heavy lifting is over. The price has already been paid for you. Roll out your mat and rest and worship with your eyes closed and your heart open.