Rest

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Philippians 4:4-9

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving week (other then eating, football, family & friends) is that it seems that everyone pretty much takes a step back from all of the "busyness" of life.  I know, some of you are saying, "Not me," so you must be busier then everyone else out there...just kidding.  I do think it's funny how any time you ask someone how they are doing they will reply with something revolving around how busy they are.  I do the same thing so I'm not judging anyone. 

Isn't it weird that we've associated being busy with being worth something?

Clearly I don't advocate laziness or anything of the sort but why isn't it ok to just tell someone something like, "I'm just enjoying doing nothing right now."  A while back I was always envious of a friend of mine who always talked about his Sabbath day.  He talked about it with such certainty, with such passion, and it really meant something to him (and still does even though he's got a baby on the way).  My first reaction was always something revolving around my busyness at church, my wife, and 2 kids etc...

But wasn't I just being incredibly prideful?

I pretty much am saying without me working nothing would get done.  As if God really needs me.

Here's what happened about a year or two ago.  I realized that I'm not that big of a deal and that having the ability to do what I do, and the family and friends that I have is truly a gift. 

I still lose perspective and overwork some times (as evidence that I'm blogging at 8:40...don't worry kids are in bed and Lacy is actually out with a friend), but I do feel like I'm getting a little bit better.  On Sunday night I got a little stressed because I'm preaching this weekend, teaching a class, and then preaching 2 more times next week (all of them different sermons) but I took a breathe, got to play golf with a great friend on Monday, realized that I know I'll do my part and most importantly, God will do his and it will all come together. 

I'm not that big of a deal and neither are you so get over yourself, enjoy what God has placed before you, value your family and friends, and remember that the places, people, and things you experience are a gift from a gracious God. 

Peace,
Wags