The Comforter
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
— John 14:1
Whatever the blanket that had been on my bed as a kid must have been okay, but as an early teen I remember a significant upgrade: the comforter. I had crossed into a new world with this addition, and oh, yes, life was SO much better.
Now speaking of life, I was on the phone yesterday with someone from Lancaster Seminary, the hub for producing UCC clergy in Pennsylvania, and in me being me, well, the conversation went beyond the business of the call. I had asked Deb, the administrative assistant I was speaking with, what her plans were for the weekend. You know. Chit chat. Move beyond the obvious. She said she really didn’t have much in the works, and then shared something that struck me. She said, “I like sleeping.”
I didn’t hear her say she was a slug; I heard her admit what is true for far too many of us. We’re working too hard, resting too little.
Let’s get back to the bed and the comforter. Why are we working so hard, resting so little? Why are we chasing what does not need to be chased? I have more questions. When did it become unfashionable to rest? Specifically, and I’m speaking to all age groups here [not just us senior nappers], when did it become uncool for us to be content with what we have in the now?
Here in John 14, Jesus essentially tells His disciples, “Don’t worry about anything, guys. Chill. Trust Me, and trust in Me. I got this.”
Jesus does have this, but the truth is we want the long, full day. We may not admit we welcome the overworked, super-pressed schedule, but we certainly bring it on ourselves. When we have the option of peace, we choose the word pace. Specifically, we choose the words ‘fast pace.’ You say you don’t have a choice in your busy day, but that isn’t true — and, deep down, you know it.
Let God be God. You have enough. In truth, you have too much. Welcome less today, and, in doing so, you’ll be comforted.
_______________
PRAYER: Lord, I don’t need to hide from time to time under my comforter. I need to trust in You, my provider, the keeper of my schedule, and the giver of my gifts. Amen.
Leave a Reply