Resting Well

Through the vantage point of my second-floor office window, I have had the opportunity to observe squirrels during their mid-day naps!  As they lay on their tummies across the shaded branch one or two of their limbs hang carelessly down while their tiny faces are contently tucked against the nook of a branch. I found myself yawning as I watched and soon had to return to my work or I too would have been napping!

One afternoon, without any notice, the poor napping squirrel rolled just a bit too far and fell off the tree limb!  As I ran down the stairs to rescue him my mind raced; what to do with an injured squirrel?  However, my concerns were unfounded as he was already running across the lawn and I watched as he scrambled back up the tree.

It would seem resting takes a bit of practice and skill!

I too have learned the value of resting well.  I haven’t fallen out of any trees but I have worked myself into exhaustion and even worse over the years.  I have learned the value of a good rest.

For the past 4 months, we all have been striving to do our best against COVID-19.  I have learned new tricks such as washing all my groceries before bringing them into the house, how to enhance online worship, how to engage in over the phone pastoral visiting, how to ZOOM in for weekly Bible Study, Fellowship, meetings and support groups.  Now, it is time to rest.

There is value in knowing when the striving needs to cease and rest is required.

Even God, the mighty Creator, knew when to pause, “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:3)

This summer I will be taking three weeks of holidays, next week is one of those three and there will not be a Blog written.  I will return for a few weeks before taking two more weeks of vacation in August.

May you all be blessed this summer to find a restful patch of shade in which to refuel!

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

The photo with this Blog was taken by Zhana Kenny/Unsplash