Every day, a few times a day, I pass this spot. Each time I pass, I look at it and think, “I just want to stop and plop down for the rest of the day without a care in the world.” But instead, I find myself being too busy with all the things that must be done. Laundry, making dinner, helping the kids with homework, etc. And back and forth I go, as my little spot watches from afar.
It’s been about 2 years since my spot has existed and I can count on one hand the number of times I have sat there. Not even for very long, either. I began to think about why this was the case. I so deeply desired to stop and enjoy this spot on many occasions each day. And I remember the giddy feeling I had while creating the spot eager for the gift it would provide. Yet I didn’t do anything to make the time to stop.
Until recently.
I am a Type A, busy kind of girl. I like the fast pace of life. I like to do things that need to be done. It’s how I am wired, I suppose. But that certainly doesn’t mean that I don’t need time to slow down and find that “breathing room”; time to spend with God, allow my mind to rest and be “filled” with the calm and quiet that my little spot could provide. But, I recognized that I would have to cut many things from my schedule for this to happen - things I enjoyed, things I was good at, things that I really didn’t want to give up. I had to reprioritize and recognize that I can make time for my little spot. I needed to make time for my little spot.
Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Over the past month, I can’t even count on two hands the number of times I have enjoyed my little spot. I learned that it can also be a great place to read with my children, watch the birds from the back yard and of course, allow that time with God and prayer. I have felt the calmness that slowing down, cutting things out and just taking time to rest has provided. I feel more joyful. I am more patient with my children. I enjoy the little things in life. And for once, I can just sit without feeling guilty of neglecting something that needed to be done.
Go, today, and find that little spot. And more importantly…use it.
Jeni Barbush
loveSTRONG ministries
Executive Director
www.loveSTRONGministries.com
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