Day of Rest....

I thought I would update my blog for once.  It isn't because I have time, I can promise you!  But, I did promise myself that while Gabriel is napping and the kids are watching their weekend movie, I would do something that is not at all productive- something I want to do, something relaxing with no other purpose than because I feel like doing it.  Oh, it is difficult!  How I envy my husband, who can shut down his brain completely when given the chance to relax.  I sit down and immediately think of 5 or 6 things that urgently need to be done- laundry that needs to be changed over, that book that I am in the middle of, prayers that need to be said, lunch for the kids that is a bit overdue, winter coats that need to be packed and stored away until next year, you get the picture...  

People are not supposed to live this way, don't you agree?   It is an interesting commandment that the Lord asked us not to work one day a week.   It reminds me of one of my favorite scripture verses, one that I go to when my type A personality gets the best of me:

It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest

eating the bread of anxious toil

the Lord gives to His beloved sleep (psalm 127: 2)

Of course there are verses also that say:

A little sleep, a little slumber

a little folding of the hands to rest,

and poverty will come upon you like a robber

and want like an armed man. (Prov. 24:33-34)

I don't intend to make an intellectual argument here, it is just something I think about from time to time.  I wonder where the balance is, the right amount that is most pleasing to God.  I suppose is varies from person to person, and depends on the time and season of life...  Am I trusting in the Lord to be my provider, but working diligently when he asks me to, or am I relying too much on my own efforts?  I believe when we have the right answer we have peace...

On the same note, this peace seems at many times in my life to allude me, with one major exception.   For some reason, when I am pregnant- participating in the beautiful creativity of the Lord and lending my body to this exceptional task- I tend to be at peace.  This peace extends to so many areas of my life that in many ways, I prefer to be pregnant that not pregnant!    For example, when pregnant, if I am tired, I rest (or at least try to- hard sometimes with 4 little boys).  When I am hungry, I eat and know that my body needs to be nourished, as does that of the little person growing.  If I gain a little weight (or a lot), I buy bigger clothes and chalk it up to "Well, thats just how pregnancy goes!".  It is funny, whatever my other goals are, whether they be personal, or pertaining to my kids school, etc. I can put them in second place and say to myself, "Growing a baby is a big task.  Do those things when there is time, approach patiently, trust in God, it will all come together."  And you know what?  It does.  I actually usually get as much or more done/ accomplished that way.   Perhaps it is a particular grace that the Lord gives me when I am pregnant.  Perhaps others feel this way as well.  I don't know.  

Enough for now, Gabriel is up.  Back to work.  :)