The Value of Rest

My soul longs for ocean waves, soft breezes and the feel of sand between my toes.

     If I were to trace my genetic roots, it would come as no surprise to me to find that my origins are from a remote island somewhere in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, looking at my skin tone, hair color and bone structure it is highly unlikely that my origins would be anywhere near an ocean (unless it were in a more frigid climate). But, when I visit the beach (any beach) I feel so rested and at peace it feeds my soul. 

     My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our vacation and returning to snow on the ground seriously made me want to turn around and go back, but it is also good to be home. The rest and change of scenery, not to mention the inability to easily communicate with the United States, made for a wonderful getaway.

     It is good for the mind, body and spirit to find ways to recharge. After all, when we use rechargeable batteries for our electronic devices don't we have to occasionally take them out of our product and plug them in somewhere else for a short time for them to work effectively where they were designed to serve? This is the same effect we receive from vacation time. 

     We are traveling through the season of Lent, reading our devotionals, exploring new ways of spiritual disciplines, and using the example of Jesus' time away from the crowds and his followers as our example to feed the spirit and become closer to God. While we aren't traveling through desert wildernesses denying ourselves of food or water, we are, hopefully, finding other ways to recharge this Lenten season. 

     As I think back to time spent walking the beach, searching for shells, wind in my hair, sun on my face and the sound of seagulls close by, I cannot help but wonder at the many gifts of God. Regardless of our geographical settings, God is in our midst. Regardless of our abilities to physically take ourselves away from the crowds, God is in our midst. Regardless of how many hours we put into our jobs and families, God is in our midst. 

     I had the incredible fortune of finding God in the midst of tropical beauty, warm ocean breezes and the many friendly Mexican people who made my week away so joyful. Now that I am home, I am finding God in the love of my cats, who missed me terribly, the smiles and hugs from friends and family eager to hear of our travels, blue Kentucky skies, familiar foods, sights and sounds, and, yes, even in the snow melting off the grass and trickling down to renew our streams and rivers for the Spring growth ahead. 

     This is my Lenten prayer for you…that as you journey through the weeks ahead you find God within your midst in so many wonderful ways and as Spring joins us soon, you, too, will find new growth in God.

Blessings,
Tracy