As I chatted with my daughter this week, I jokingly referred to my mounting fear and anxiety regarding an upcoming writing conference.
“Uh, mom.” She asked with a definite eye-roll. “Do you ever read your own blog?”
Ouch. She was right. I wax poetic about facing disaster and persecution without fear but send me on a short plane trip with the possibility of a few uncomfortable conversations and I’m reaching for the Xanax. Not cool.
It’s not as bad as all that but our conversation and a minor incident at work this week when I couldn’t remember what year it was made me realize I need a rest. Not like “checking in on a 72-hour hold type rest” but just a week without work.
So, I’m taking it. As I leave for the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference I’m going to travel light. Not luggage-wise, of course, at fifty I need stuff to appear presentable in public – like putty and support garments with pulleys.
No, I’m going to travel light by leaving home behind. I’m going take a leap of faith by leaving my family, my job, my blog, and even my writing future in God’s capable care for five days and I’m hoping that when I return, I can manage not to pick it up the whole load again.
God designed us with a need for rest and placed reminders to take a rest into the very fabric of the earth. He told the Israelites “For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard. Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.” Exodus 23: 10-12 ESV
This week, I will allow myself to lie fallow. I shall rest. Even at a writer’s conference, I believe this is possible. Not without God, of course, but I sense that He’s truly in this.
This is all to say, don’t look for me here this week. I will allow this blog to lie fallow until I return. Or if you will, feel free to glean from the previous posts of the past two years.
I value all of you dearly and can’t tell you what it means to me that you visit this place and read what comes to my mind. It’s all about going deeper with Jesus for me and it’s time for me to take a few days and do just that.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Rest easy, loved ones. I’ll see you again soon.
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Out of the mouths of babes… Yes, we need that rest.. Have a relaxing and fulfilling time.
I know you’ll have a great time! I went to a writer’s conference for just one day, and it did wonders for me. I went with the same thought in mind, to rest (and learn). I wish I could go! Maybe next year.
Blessings!
My favorite verses at the end there! God has been saying “rest” to me in the past year. Really for a decade or two, but the word “rest” is now in the forefront. He gives us rest indeed, and I’m trying to figure out how to partake in that right along with you! Surely you’ll give me a really useful blog or two about that as you learn. 🙂
So glad your following God’s (through your daughter’s mouth)leading. Don’t work too hard at resting. Just take one moment at a time and live in it. Be aware of smells, sounds, color, flavors etc. or nothing. You are so special.
Praying the Lord gives you wonderful, well-deserved rest!
I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing time.
I look forward to seeing you there, Lori. This post served as a much needed reminder to this newbie. Your daughter’s comment was a classic — I just wish I’d been wearing my steel-toed shoes while reading it. Hits close to home. 🙂 Praying for our safe trips there…
Thank you, all!
Glad to read your blog w/all your fears and insecurities hung out there…yet…ending w/the feel of giving yourself to the Lord God, letting Him have ‘all of you ‘ this next week. Be blessed as this adventure will be a special mountain topper ! Many are praying for you, Lori, rest and be renewed as the Holy Spirit breathes on you …
Have you been to BRMCWC before? I went last year and loved it. Discouraged I couldn’t go this year but am trusting there is a reason God kept me home this time. Hope you had a wonderful and rejuvenating time.