Of course, you say, there is a place for simply resting in the Lord, which is the intention for the Sabbath day. True! But I’m sure there is a way to rest in Him and His Love at all times, on all days. I’m just not there yet. When we’re yielded to God’s Spirit, then what we put our hands to seems less like work-work…because it is actually God’s Spirit within us that is accomplishing the “work!” We follow His lead. We lean on Him, we rest against His heart. “His strength is made perfect in our weakness.”

My favorite kind of day is the one that allows me to just follow His lead all day long, with no deadlines, no “bookends,” as I call them, no interruptions: Doing a bit of this and a bit of that, or perhaps a lot of one thing, but in Him and by His Spirit…as the Wind blows. So there’s actual enjoyment in the doing, rather than the drudgery of a task that “must be done.”

Now, I realize that this is probably more easily accomplished at my age and stage of life than it is for a young mother, for instance, with her hands so very full. Still, the principle can be applied and some wonderful peace gained by its practical application – even if only in small increments.

Will it really work? Well, God is not more faithful to one person than to another. God is completely faithful and true to His Word, the Truth, Love, Wisdom, Mercy and Power that defines Him. So what makes the difference between one who grows in faith and prospers in these character traits and one who doesn’t? The answer is simple: The USE of them! It’s the Law of Use. What I use will, like a muscle, become developed and stronger. If I don’t use it, it will atrophy. Does this mean it’s no longer my muscle, created to be used? Of course not! But I have to be the one who uses it. So God gives us His Word, Faith, Love, Mercy, Truth, Wisdom and Power. He plants it all within us when we receive His Life to fill that gnawing, hungry void within. We must make that initial choice to receive His Life, made available to us through His Son.: Right Choice #1.

Then, our whole lives long, we build together, with Him, His track record in our lives. Every choice toward His way lengthens and fills the track. Every choice toward our self way opens the options of detour. Sometimes the detours lead us into a labyrinth of detours that completely distract us from His higher ways which He knows will truly bring peace and delight to our innermost hearts.Yet, if we allow Him to, even then He lovingly leads us back to where we went off the track and sets us down, headed in the right(eous) direction once more. I speak from experience! I’ve personally tested God’s mercy and patience and love soooooo many times! And each time I’ve been just amazed at how He, so impeccably faithfully, meets me where I am – in my misadventure – and sets me straight in Love.

We people are not nearly as likely to act this forgiving and merciful way with our loved ones. We get confused. We see them somehow as reflections or extensions of ourselves. We take their shortcomings personally. We might react in unloving ways, at least for a time,until we realize once again the futility of unloving ways.

But God never responds in unloving ways. Not even in disappointment! His patience is extreme to the end of infinity, as are all of the qualities of this great I AM. And…to this eternal I AM we sometimes say, “No thanks.”?!?!?(Don’t say you don’t. We all do. “All saints have their moments…” to quote a poem of mine.) But isn’t this really pretty preposterous? No wonder Jesus referred to us as sheep!

If you’ve ever raised sheep, you’ll know that, in oft frustrating ways, they’re not the smartest creatures in God’s portfolio. Oh, yes, they have endearing qualities. They do! And they’re wonderfully reliable creatures of habit. They are! But they need a shepherd to keep them safe. Goats, on the other hand are wily and self-serving. They are shrewd and careless, eating everything in sight. I’ve raised goats too. I’ve seen the difference in these two species.

Anyway, I digress. The kitchen calls and so does the garden. And so, just now, did one of those sheep above our house. He called to be let out of the gate, to be led to graze on the soft, green grass below us on this lush, tropical hillside. (A goat would simply keep leaning against the fence hard enough to bend it or slant it so he could get over it. Or he’d climb part way up a tree and jump… Goats!)

Sheep need a shepherd. Thank You, God, for providing us with none other than Your Remarkable Self, to lead us to the green and restful pastures that we long for!

as always,