Finding a Seam in 2013
We all feel it no matter our age. The assault of information we must process on a daily basis does not take a break. It makes one day seem to flow into the next, our weeks into months, and one year into another without even a pause. In the midst of the onslaught, we diligently work to handle the essentials and delegate our extra time and energy (if we have any) to worthy causes, with the added expectation that we can be reached, and are available, 24-7. It makes for a seamless flow of activity.
As we know, many people in the tri-state area had lives completely devastated by ‘Sandy’. In comparison, I’ve heard multiple references made regarding our local situation as a “minor inconvenience”. But the inconvenience stopped the flow. A seam was created. Many individuals talked about schedule reductions imposed by the lack of electricity. Families reflected on time spent together talking and playing games. And, an unexpected effect I heard described numerous times, was how well people slept. Now granted, folks were heading to bed early to find warmth under a tower of blankets but, within the forced respite from the constant bombardment of noise and information, people found some needed rest.
God knows we need rest. Jesus spoke it: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”
But doesn’t ‘coming to Jesus’ sound like one more activity that could put us over the edge? In actuality, taking time to acknowledge the presence of Christ creates that very place we crave, that seam, that place of much needed rest. The moments in which we allow the living presence of God, known in Christ, to cover us like warm blankets we find refreshment that can pause our lives. Rather than the expected load to become even weightier in 2013, life in the ‘seams’ with Christ can bring what we did not anticipate: a calming of our souls, a rediscovery of ways to build relationships, and strength for the continued journey.
Heading into this new year, I pray that we will seek and discover a life in the seams with Christ, those precious minutes – that turn into days, which turn into weeks, and then into months - when we intentionally allow ourselves to come into the presence of Christ. The thought of rest for our souls in the next year should be a big draw!
