Our day to day had been a whirlwind, with chaos swirling in the air, we had been trying to troubleshoot and problem-solve as we carried out our everyday duties and responsibilities. “Breath,” I had been reminding myself. There just didn’t seem to be enough time or air. Feeding myself with Mass, Adoration, and Confession I had attempted to nourish my weary soul. Still, exhaustion had triumphed.
My soul was tired. I had been sprinting at a speed that no one should ever run at, for longer than anyone should maintain that pace. My body and my mind could do no more. And then God said, “Go.” And I questioned, “How can I leave?” And He repeated, “Go. Allow me to provide for you that which you cannot provide for yourself.” He went on, “Allow me to renew you and lift you up. Hand over your control and allow me to give your soul rest. Go to the mountains. Be near to me. Walk with me in the woods and let my mother hold your hand. I want to give you this gift, a gift you cannot give yourself.”
And so, I went. I journeyed into the woods and did as my Father asked. I rested and He renewed me. God made me strong again so I could resume fighting the fight and continue walking the road that He has asked me to traverse. Our Lord is with me and His peace rests deep in me. The Master gave me the gift of life and he granted my soul rest. He is the Lord of all and the Giver of all gifts.
“My soul doth glory in the Lord. My soul rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1: 46-47 (A rough translation that the Lord put on my heart.)
Sometimes the everyday weighs heavy on us for so long that we forget that we are so tremendously burdened. Often, we think we are required to do it all ourselves; however, it is in this place that God needs to do the labor. We must surrender and allow Him to work in us, even when it means doing what seems to be nothing. We are invited to relent, to accept His invitation to break from the everyday, and to recreate and rest. I assure you; the Lord is at work here too.
“You restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through dark valley…” Psalm 23: 3-4a
Call to Act: Where does God want you to rest and allow Him to work? Where is the Master asking you to surrender? Is He inviting you into communion with Him? Does He want you to relent and allow Him to toil? I invite you to take this to Adoration or to Mass and allow Him to speak to your heart. Our Lord will open the doors and invite you in. Surrender your will and your ways. Give Him your, “Yes,” allowing His work to begin.
My prayers are with you, sister, as you move to allow the Lord to continue His handiwork in you. Grant Him permission to enter the places He deems necessary. Be vulnerable. Open your heart to all that He asks of you and be assured that His goodness will shine through you as you allow the Master to transform you and make you anew.
St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us that in our rest we may grow closer to the Lord. Beg the Master to renew us, allowing us to maintain our fervor and fire. Intercede for us that our hearts may be softened so that He may continue His work in us, creating new life within us. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, Amen.
St. Mary’s Falls Hike in North Cheyenne Canon Park, Colorado. God and His creation renewed me. My soul was at rest.