retreat!

I heard the call early Friday morning.  It was deafening – like a full drum and bugle corp were standing in my bedroom.  The sound of the call washed over me and for a few minutes my ears were ringing…

RETREAT!

For a few more minutes I waited, head under the covers.  Could it be true?  Was it time?  And I rehearsed in my mind, the date, Friday, September 23rd…  It was true.  and it was time.  maybe there was hope.I threw the covers back, hopped out of bed and pulled out my list, scanning every detail – there was a lot to be done on my countdown over the course of the day.  But, in just 24 hours it would begin.

retreat.

My parents had invited us, Michael and I and our little family, to get away with them in the Smokies for the week.  When we made the plans more than six months earlier there was no way I could have known.  Only God knows these kinds of details in advance. And He is the kind of God who makes way for our salvation long before we even begin to sense the need.

Oh, how I needed this get-away.  The summer had proven to be more demanding physically, spiritually and emotionally – far more than I could have imagined.  And now, here, just six weeks into our school year I could feel myself slipping.  I was loosing all traction in the daily battle…

retreat.  I needed to pull back from the front lines.

Often I plead for mercy, and He is with me when I’m in the middle of life.  He brings strength and wisdom for the days when I know that I alone am not enough.  And I promise, I’m never enough on my own – as a mom, wife, teacher, sister, pianist, baker, care-giver- the list is endless.  But He is my provider.

This time, as we followed the windy roads towards the mountains, I found myself asking Him to come with me to the quiet.  He has been a mighty warrior by my side in the middle of conflict.  But, He is the sweetest of companions in times of rest too.

I used to believe that I was being a wimp if I didn’t press through the exhaustion; that I should rely more fully on Him and that would make me a better follower, a stronger fighter.  But, its not true.  No doubt, there are times for drawing the battle lines and pushing through to victory, following His lead.  However, there are times when He sounds the call for rest, but sometimes I don’t hear because I’m too busy in the fight.

There are Scriptures that talk of victory and triumph by His power.  But there are also promises for this:

stillness, knowing He is God. (Psalm 46:10)

burdens made light. (Matthew 11:30)

He, himself rested.  (Genesis 2:3)

rest by still waters, restoration of my soul. (Psalm 23)

rest for all who labor (Matthew 11:28)

and there are many, many more.

These are the words He has been whispering, here on our get-away.  He is true to His word, restoring my soul, trading my weariness for strength.  I am so grateful He sounded the call for “retreat!”

Thank you Heavenly Father for this earthly rest, for the work you are performing on my heart, even now.  Let me live in the peace and joy that you provide.  amen.