One of the aspects of my walk with Jesus that I especially adore is His sense of humor. Years ago, I purchased a vehicle that had run flat tires. This was my first experience with this type of tire. One thing I learned is that they are expensive. I had been driving this vehicle for about a month when a roofing nail punctured one of the tires.
From my prior experience with a flat, I knew that I could possibly have the flat repaired, rather than buying a new tire. So, I pursued this option first – only to learn that a run flat tire cannot be repaired. So, I had to buy a new tire. I was surprised at this, then shocked to learn that a single tire would cost over $400!
I stood out in my back yard that night, staring up at the stars and sharing my feelings with Jesus. I reiterated my gratitude for my vehicle and the fun I had driving it. Then, I expressed that I felt that was a lot of money for one tire. I was quick to say that I was not ungrateful or frustrated, but….. I searched for the word to describe what I felt at that moment….. in the quiet of the summer night I heard, “deflated?” I giggled out loud and responded, “You are so clever!”
This type of exchange with Him – clever, witty, amusing word choice – has been a recurring theme for me. In early January of this year, I was asking Him a question. I recognized my heart was struggling with a particular circumstance and as I shared this with Him I said, “I need to see this as You see it, because I know you are never frustrated.”
As I journaled, in my thoughts I heard and wrote down:
“Your ability to see as I see is found in rest. I don’t need to teach you to see. I am teaching you to rest. I see it all. I am at work. Refuse to enter into the ‘what ifs;’ these are what torment you. Lay it all down, moment by moment. Love mercy, do justly, walk humbly with Me.”
I find myself now in early July, 2022 with a combination of life circumstances that – on the surface – appear to be about as far from a logical definition of rest as one could possibly travel.
As I reflect upon Him sharing that He is teaching me to rest, I can’t help but giggle once again! Yet the deeper undercurrents of life in the Kingdom of Heaven are not lost on me. Although God created logic, His wisdom transcends logic, reason, and linear thinking.
Jesus promised us abundant life and that His grace is sufficient as we live each day. He instructed us to “not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
Let me just say that I am living an abundant life!!
In early June, He reminded me that there is no external circumstance that is the solution I am seeking. He is the answer to my every need (my leadership at work, my place in my family, etc).
Only our Heavenly Father, His precious Son Jesus, and the comforting Holy Spirit could so creatively and perfectly work in the midst of my external circumstances, professional and personal relationships, daily time requirements and a myriad of responsibilities to teach me so tenderly how to – in my internal environment – rest in Him.
I love this life adventure with Him!
