Volume 53: Rest in Falling Short

 

After a long, full week in Oxford, I immediately felt refreshed as I turned down the driveway of the cabin in Blue Ridge. With windows down and good music on, I took a deep breath and felt rest! Despite the Unpluggers lack of participation in replying "SABBATHHHH"... that's exactly what it was - two nights of slowing down and being where my feet were. 

I was not always planning on going to Blue Ridge this weekend, but I got the call that the grass needed to be cut... And speaking of being content, this man knows the definition of it! What more could he ask for there.

I have actually come to really enjoy mowing the yard - it has been added to my list of Sabbath activities. Especially with such beauty surrounding me! In any other context, I would most likely complain about cutting such a large field with a push mower, but it's a perfect task at the cabin. 

As I walk laps around and around the pasture, it's just me (and Sadie avoiding any close encounter with the mower). It's completely still and quiet. I have found it to be a time where I can focus while praying. 

Praying for baby Chambers and baby Curry! 

Praying for Yellerton's brother, Jake!

Praying for Debbie and Wade and Bailey + Austin!

Praying for Adeline to feel God's presence!

Praying for the Cashes' community and sense of purpose in Ireland!

Praying for my Dad and healing with his back!

There's no distraction, nothing competing for my attention. I feel completely content doing the task at hand. 

There's also something satisfying about being able to see your progress and be able to succeed in the goal.  

That was until.........

The battery DIED!!!! You can't make these things up..... One more down and back to go and ...... the mower stopped moving... It's the same feeling when you are almost done with a puzzle and can't find the last piece.... 

My attempt for perfection was halted. 

My peace and contentment was over. 

Because I had fallen short. 

The job was not finished. 

Well, after allowing the battery to recharge, I was able to go back out and finish mowing the grass! And it felt so good to stand back and look at the finished product!

As I was finishing the last two rows, I spent the time praying again. 

But this time, my prayers were focused on myself. 

Repenting for all the times I fall short. The big and the small. My pride. My lack of trust. My missed opportunities of showing Christ's love. I'll save you from having to read all of my mishaps...

Yet, I was also praying about my gratitude for the assurance of pardon for all of my sins. I may have had to wait a couple of hours for the mower battery to charge before I could continue. But I thought about how my "battery" source in Christ never dies!

I am never a half mowed field with a dead mower abandoned in the middle of it. And that's a beautiful thing because if I were God, I would probably want to just give up sometimes... After so many times of showing His provision, yet I still doubt. Or after so many times of revealing Himself through His word, yet I am quick to forget. 

But no matter how broken we may be, he never forsakes us. He is always with us and He is weaving together a story beyond our understanding!

May we find rest in the truth that EVERYONE falls short! May we take our own sin seriously, yet be quick to receive the grace and forgiveness that is offered.

LOOK AT THAT UGA CHEERLEADER!!!!!!!!! Wow. 

My fall would be more restful if the dawgs decided to show up to a game this season!!!! So here's to hoping!!

This morning, I made a right turn and BOOM this was my view out of no where and I audibly gasped because wow! God's creation is beautiful!