An Unexpected Break

My family and I experienced an unexpected break this past weekend. No, no one gave us an all expenses paid getaway to Hawaii; it wasn't anything like that at all. Instead, apparently someone gave us the stomach flu.

Van, our youngest (10 months old) got it first, and like the rest of us, is still very much recovering. Jaden, our oldest (4 1/2), got it perhaps the worst, which has been his pattern with stomach ailments; he called out "bucket!" many, many times over a period of about 40 hours. My wife, Jessie, got it nearly as bad. I bowed only once before the porcelain throne but was still down for the count the whole weekend. Today (several days after contracting this thing), we're feeling about 60%.

Whenever I get considerably sick like this, I wonder: "If I were better at knowing when to rest, would I have gotten this?" Whether the answer is yes or no, I'm thankful for the thought. It causes me to reflect a bit on my life, my priorities, my struggles...and my relationship with the Lord.

For the past couple of years, I have felt God challenging me to rest. Hebrews 4 says that there still exists a sabbath rest for God's people. In the Psalms we hear God say, "Be still and know I am God." Why have I had such a hard time stopping to rest? Is it because there really is so much to do? (When won't there be?) Is it because I'm a committed and hard-working believer? (Or are these just covers for being driven?)

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us to not worry about tomorrow. Here's what I'm discovering: Resting has as much to do with trusting God as anything else. (It's also an issue of obedience vs disobedience...but that's another discussion.) TRUST. Do I believe God is faithful regardless of what I do or don't do? Will I count on His gracious provision when I'm on the move AND when I'm still? Or do I think that His activity in my life is dependent upon and determined by mine--as if somehow He can't move if I don't move first?

We all have certain things that will continue to challenge us throughout life. The apostle Paul spoke of the thorn in his flesh. Some things we overcome; with other things we continue to fight the good fight. This doesn't discourage or depress me. Rather, I'm freshly provoked to engage in battle once again. The strange thing about rest is, the fight is about laying down (my) weapons and implements, not picking them up.

I want to trust God more with more of my life. I wonder if doing so could even result in better physical health..? I know with confidence that it will benefit my life and deepen my relationships--with people in general, with my wife and kids, and most important, with the One who gave me life in the first place...and who promises to give it to the full.