Rest in the Lord

It is Labor Day, yes they do celebrate that in Hawaii, it is still a part of the United States. Although, I did find out a few weeks ago that statehood over here is controversial. Needless to say, I have the day off and I am feeling blessed. Normally I spend Labor Day weekend at the cabin with my family or working yet another double at Charlie’s. I can honestly say, I miss them both. But, on this current weekend, I am living in Hawaii. I went for a few runs, I went to the beach, I helped out at church, I went to church, and I avoided working at all costs. In fact, I am avoiding it still by writing this post instead of looking over whatever math I am supposed to teach my 24 kindergartners who are still learning how to use the bathroom and sit long enough to hear what I have to say. 

Anyways, I got out surfing this morning. It was beautiful. I went with some friends from church and it is in these moments I pinch myself and say, “WOW, I am really living here.” It was a blast. I got tossed by some waves, I got sun burnt cheeks, and even caught a few waves. I loved every minute. Before I went this morning though, I paused to spend a few moments with God. I had my cup of coffee (I can only afford the 10% Kona blend from Costco, but oh it is good). I was listening to the birds which I decided I prefer the ones in Minnesota over the tropical loudness and rooster crows I hear on the island. Anyway, here are the verses I read this morning. And for whatever reason, I wanted to write them all down. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths, for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

It is almost fitting that God placed these scriptures before me today. I have been fighting all of the “work” I have to do. I have been going back and forth about a decision to step into a volunteer directory role at the church I have been attending. I have been fighting my “to-do” list in my head. And as I face it all, God is telling me two things today: 1. I don’t face it alone. 2. Rest in my word, in my presence and I will provide you with all that you need.

We do not go it alone. We do not face our battles, our enemies, our burdens alone. God takes them, but here is the secret, we have to give them to Him. We have to willingly walk into relationship with Him and lay our burdens down. We have to walk towards Him to allow Him to lead us to green pastures and quiet waters. And to me, there is so much beauty, grace, and love in that. I am finding that part of why I am here is to just rest in God. Rest in His presences, in this beautiful place that He created.

Yes, I am here to do some kingdom work. I am here to love people and whatever else God has for me. But, in my own walk with God, I am learning to trust Him more. I am learning how to pray, to be in relationships with Him more. And in the last week, God has been revealing to me that He also wants me to just be. To just be here. To enjoy all of the adventure and beauty. To experience His presence and awe in all that I do here. And that, to sit back and just take it all in, is something that is hard for me, something that fights my human nature. Because I want to go, I want to do, and I want to achieve. But it is also something so beautiful to just sit and be with God, to absorb all of His beauty in my life and in this world. And something I know my soul needs. 

Love and blessings,