Clamor

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:9-11

The ringing doorbell sent a parade of barks down the hallway toward the front door. Our family stayed silent and still. Being up late the night before, made for a good sleeping-in morning.

It rang again. I felt no need to jump out of bed, sporting my polished morning look, as I knew who leaned on our doorbell. It was a neighbor kid, one lonely little boy, up early to tackle the day's adventures.

"Ahhh . . . silence once again." Our dog Ginger had decided she was done protecting the house, and the sound of chirping birds filled the room through an open window. I turned over, feeling so warm and cozy - so safe.

Then another sound jarred me. The telephone began a morning song of it's own. Blaring through the house, I was sure this one would wake my little ones up. But after a series of two separate rings, and a pretty full bladder, I decided it was time to get up.

Let's face it, life is noisy. There are constant demands on each of us for our time, energy and resources. And if we are not careful, we can burn out. Taking time for yourself for the sake of refueling is God's idea. We are encouraged to set one day a week aside, in honor of a Sabbath-rest. Have you given it an honest try?

Through a really difficult season in my life, God has been teaching me a lot about the importance of taking care of myself. I am human, and so are you. Therefore, our time, energy and resources are limited. Getting an ample amount of rest is vital if we are going to be any good to anybody else.

Are you feeling weary today? Tired of all the noise? Does sitting in bed with a good book sound like a good idea? A trip to the beach? A park in front of the TV? It's okay to give yourself a break. Give yourself permission to simply "be."

Jesus set a perfect example of rest, as He would move away from the crowds (from the noise) to spend time alone with His Heavenly Father. If Jesus needed it, how much more do we?

That phone call can wait, your email, and the knock at the door does not need your immediate attention. But your relationship with God does.

Be good to yourself today, and invite God's non-intrusive presence into your silence.