Rest and Refuel
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. Psalm 23:1-2
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31
Insight
I've heard it said that there are two types of people in this world. First, there are those individuals who see the "E" illuminated on their car's dashboard and think, "I got this…I can drive 15 more miles easily." They push their vehicle to the limit and laugh in the face of danger. They are so bold that they pass a Shell station despite the flashing light demanding their attention. And on occasion (sometimes even more than once), their luck runs out, and they find themselves broken down on the side of the road.
Then you have those who are the complete opposite. They see the gas gauge not even at the halfway point and think, "Oh my gosh…I need to fill-up…NOW!" As soon as they spot a gas station, they dart in, avoiding "disaster."
When it comes to my wife and I and our routine "discussions" on this matter (especially when we have an important event we need to go to), Jenn is the daredevil, and I'm Mr. Conservative. She's so focused on getting from Point A to Point B that stopping to get gas slips her mind. But, on the other hand, I worry and fret over pretty much everything, love to be in control, and hate to be surprised.
In the grand scheme of things, forgetting to fill up your tank is not that big of a deal. Neither is always making sure it's topped off to ensure you are in control. Yet, both approaches are dangerous when it comes to caring for our hearts and pouring into others.
As hard as it is for me to admit this, my heart tank is not only low; it's puttering on the fumes of the fumes. This stage of life, with work and family responsibilities, has me running on empty. I've been going and going non-stop. There has indeed been no rest for the weary.
On top of this, worry keeps me up at night as I think through every possible scenario with our family's issues. None of those issues are earth-shattering, and we find ourselves blessed in ways we can't comprehend. But this still doesn't stop me from attempting to fix everything, control everything, and be the author of my own story. Trying to be everything for everyone has me thinking the world is all about me. My needs. My desires. My plans. But it's not.
To truly love and be present for my family, I need to rest. I show value to them by valuing time to care for myself. Scripture speaks about the importance of staying connected to Christ (John 15:1-17). It goes as far as saying that apart from Him, I can accomplish a whole lot of nothing. But, by relying on Him and looking to Him to guide my steps, I can be the type of husband, father, and friend those I care about deserve.
I know this to be true, but loosening that grip and relaxing doesn't come naturally. Slowing down, resting, and refueling provide me with opportunities to refocus and then respond. My need to be in control, or at least foolishly thinking I am, doesn't require faith. Yet, God has different plans for my life, and they always involve pushing me to deeper trust and dependence. So, today, I will stop and rest.
Reflection
What lights are flashing on the dashboard of your heart?
How would you describe your current energy level? Are you running on empty? Where are you pushing yourself too much to control your situation?
Prayer
God, open my eyes to see that You are in control and I am not. Remind me that I show how much I care for others by first caring for my soul. Refuel me with Your love, grace, and mercy. Please help me to hit pause and be still. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
