This word respite hit me today, because lately I feel like I just want to run away from the busyness of life. Sometimes I feel like I’m always working with nothing I can do for fun. And then hubby decides to take a day off work when I have some running around to do. His keeping me company gives me a spot of respite than I so desperately needed. As I ponder that I realize that God seeks to be the provider of respite as well. He’s given me a hubby for a reason, but he’s more than my hubby and has a deeper well from which his people can draw.
A Spot of Respite
A spot of respite
my request
too much
too busy
a bit of rest
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
Some breathing space
is required
breathing down my neck
not giving space
to move
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Every once in a while
on a regular interval
some help required
so that not all the
load is mine alone.
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
and they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
To take an hiatus
is a skill to learn
some folks never
acquire it
to their loss.
Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
A cessation of activities
is on the books!
To rest, to pause
to take a moment
so to be recharged.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
and he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
a repose to take
a meditation to fulfill
as one waits
and listens
before continuing on.
Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
It is a beautiful dance of how He alone is our strength and rest, yet He created us not to walk alone but to share our burdens with each other. Rejoicing with you that your husband is sensitive to the Lord and your needs and takes the time to “pull aside” and join you. May the Lord bless our husbands!
My Hubby is a doll. 🙂
Related to “I feel like I just want to run away from the busyness of life.”
Thanks for the encouraging poem.
you and me both eh Sandra?
Lay it on my back, O Lord,
give me more than I can take
because I really can’t afford
a respite, any kind of break
because, like a trick cyclist
stability’s for me in speed,
and that makes movement vital-est,
so, Lord, this I ask You heed,
for if I slow, and stop to rest
I will perhaps not rise again.
Let’s not put this to the test,
so bring the labour and the pain,
and let me be upon my way
to keep it going one more day.
there are times Andrew when not taking a break is the best thing that you can do. 🙂
I am encouraged by your message here today Annette.
Visiting today from FMF #2
Thank you Paula.
As I read your post I thought about my daughters (one has six children in various school settings and the other has three children and is starting her own practice as a nurse practitioner). I am retired and can offer them occasional respite. But it is true, God has a deeper well!
I’m glad you are able to be respite for your family….. AND that you recognize that God is greater still1