Planning to Rest

On Monday, my family is going on a week long vacation.  My sister will stay at my house, so the dogs receive food and companionship. We have a highlighted map, information about local sites, and a packed car.  Our mission is to explore our great state and discover the vast landscape that New Mexico has to offer.  I think all of us are in need of a rest, a time to recharge our batteries.

So, after all of the planning and mapping, we will relax.  I find myself getting so caught up in what we must do before we leave, that I often worry about the preparation and forget to slow down and take life easy.  Sometimes even getting ready to rest is so stressful that we must intentionally remember that for a certain amount of time, we will unwind and allow the Spirit to recharge our souls.

During my rest in the wilderness, I plan to reconnect with my stinky eleven-year-old and laugh about silly conversations with my wife.  This is a sacred time, set apart from the mundane.  I must remember to appreciate it, draw energy from it, and be made whole as a result of it. These moments to remember whose we are, and who we love are holy, reenergizing the divine spark of creativity and passion for life.

So, everything is prepared, and I eagerly await the moment we set sail for uncharted territory.  We will walk into this space that is set apart, anxiously awaiting time to share in the pure joy of Sabbath.  Our walking shoes are packed, and meals and hotel reservations are complete. Let us now enjoy the presence of each other’s company.  Praise be to our God, who gives us the strength to make it to our Sabbath, to once again grow in the hope and knowledge that we are embraced with Divine arms, longing to make us whole.