Active Rest

Life has a way of waxing and waning.  There are periods of time which prove to be most difficult, almost impossible to get through.  Then, there are segments where things are bearable, and then even seasons that prove to be enjoyable.  During the easier seasons, one can be tempted to settle back, relax and coast along.

I joined an adult "Masters" swimming workout some years back.  Having been a regular swimmer prior to this, I quickly found that what I once did as an entire workout, was what the Masters did just to warm up.  Their workouts lasted one hour, fifteen minutes.  They would do "sets" of swimming, with short rests in between.  Sometimes the rest would be a few seconds, while clinging to the pool's edge.  Other times, we would have an "active rest," where we would continue swimming, but very slowly and in a relaxed manner. 

During the easier seasons of life, perhaps it is best to take an "active rest."  We can use the emotional and physical break to continue in communion with God, reading His Word, praying, seeking Christian fellowship. That way, when the hard times hit, which they inevitably will, we will be stronger and more prepared to endure.

If you are in an easier season right now, I encourage you to take an "active rest."

How to Draw Near

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Purify your hands, you sinners; sanctify your hearts, doubting souls." (James 4:8) Aramaic Bible in English

Tips for Drawing Near to God
1.  Soak in the scriptures (read or listen)
2.  Recognize the hand of God in daily life. (Pray to recognize God's hand and voice in your life.)
3.  Play your instrument; sing; do both.
4.  Talk about truth.
5. Laugh often; be thankful.
6. Think of the eternal value of your actions and the pleasure that will be yours eternally.
7.  Read great books and biographies. (Pilgrim's Progress, George Mueller, Padre Pio)

Prayer and Kindness

Three days after the Newtown, Connecticut massacre, we pray for those entering a lifetime of grief.
We care for them by small acts of kindness.  A smile, a kind word, a gift -- small gestures that can be a momentary balm for the fire of their pain.

Put on kindness

A  lady passed out small jars of Burt's Bees moisturizer.  She likened rubbing this waxy substance into her hands as a parallel for putting on kindness.  Being kind requires work and continual attention, especially when those around us seem hardened and unreceptive.

But it is His kindness that leads us to repentence.  So, in turn, His kindness within us can be sent out to our "neighbor." 

Fine Wine

My husband compares graceful aging to that of a fine wine, that mellows and becomes beautifully resonant with age.  So it is, as I look at pictures of my husband and me together at our daughter's wedding.  The essence of a "fine wine" seems apparent as I see us, married for 26 years, still together at a most poignant moment in time.

Sometimes it's easy to stay together, sometimes it's not.  But the results can be that of tasting a fine wine.  These results can't be bought, or forced.  They only come with years of faithfully pursuing God and each other.

Power to do and bear

There is the BIG reason why being a child of God makes a difference-- because we are washed clean in Christ's blood, thus being able to achieve heaven.

Yet there is a daily reason, summed up well in this quote from my favorite devotional, Streams in the Desert:

"I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know it is a fact.

Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial?  Seek the communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer.  'I will strengthen thee.' "

Love covers

Love covers a multitude of sins......