No Rest for the Weary

written 11/29/12

OK, so the title is not actually true, but it sure seems that way sometimes.  Especially when running on absolutely NO sleep last night.  I think this is only my 3rd ever "all-nighter" and I would prefer it be the last.  I am too old to lose an entire night of sleep anymore.

So, I have been under an incredible amount of pressure from multiple deadlines.  There just has not seemed to be time for everything and I could not figure out what needed to be cut.  Hence, cutting sleep last night in an attempt to meet two deadlines that occurred within hours of each other.  I met deadlines, but the final products for both were not exactly what I would have preferred had circumstances been different.  Still, both went much better than they could have and it is a relief to know that those two deadlines are past and I can now focus on the next one (Monday).  No rest for the weary...sigh.

In spite of the pressure, I still intentionally chose to have my usual quiet time this morning.  I know from experience that if I skip it, I will regret it the rest of the day no matter how badly I think I need the time for something else.  The day simply does not go as well if not started with focus on and time with God.  God rewarded me for my decision by providing just what I needed to be encouraged with! Plus, taking a break from the task actually allows me to approach things more effectively when I come back to the task. This is something I am still learning to better and more effectively incorporate. 

Excerpts from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
"Let Me infuse My Peace into your innermost being. As you sit quietly in the Light of My Presence, you can sense Peace growing within you. This is not something you accomplish through self-discipline or willpower; it is opening yourself to receive My blessing.  In this age of independence, people find it hard to acknowledge this neediness.  However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me; placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident. You have learned to thank Me for hard times and difficult journeys, trusting that through them I accomplish My best work.  You have realized that needing Me is key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts."

Excerpts and thoughts from 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers with Warren Myers
"I praise You for the gracious way You infuse me with inner strength through Christ...and so I'm ready for anything You want me to do, and I'm equal to anything You allow to happen in my life.  Thank You that I can throw the whole weight of my anxieties on You, for I am Your personal concern."  I must let go of burdens, inadequacies, self-dependence.  Instead, rest in God's presence. Joyfully depend on God.

My thoughts from both of the previous: just what I needed to be reminded of-I'm overwhelmed, pressured, tired and discouraged.  But, God knows me and carries me.  

The day ahead of me looked impossible.  I was unable to take my usual approaches to these types of situations.  Ordinarily, not being able to use familiar methods leaves me apprehensive of results.  I had to trust that God would enable me to perform to the best of my ability under the less-than-ideal circumstances and that He would give me the peace and strength needed.  I could tell others were praying for me last night.  I was more focused, more calm and more productive than normal even though also very tired and under lots of pressure.  It was amazing!  Once I had met deadlines this afternoon, there was noticeable release from the feelings of pressure and I actually was able to rest both physically and mentally.  God is faithful!  He gives strength and rest when needed.  In contrast to the statement in the title of this post, there is rest for the weary; it comes from God.