August 2009: I am exhausted, in need of comfort, having spent the past two months intensely caring for mom and dad. At last, a chance to get away for a few quiet days at our favorite place.
- Christmas Mountain, Wisconsin
I’ll catch up, process, plan, get organized. As I share with Galen how exhausted I am, he suggests what I need is rest. He encourages me to put aside my “plans” for tomorrow. He observes that the energy expended over these stress-filled months have taken their toll. I need to rest, not process and plan.
After a good night sleep, the first in a long time, I spend some time in Ruth Barton’s Book Sacred Rhythms, spending most of my time on the chapter entitled “Rest for the Mind.”
I rest
solve
no problems
process
nothing
And go for a walk.
Standing in the quiet
of the country lane I pray
"Oh, God, I need your comfort
Sometimes you seem so present
other times so far way . . .
like now."
Today . . . right now
I need to feel you close
I need to hear from you
I continue walking
Is there something you have here
for me? Through the trees ahead I hear
footsteps scurrying
to and from house to car.
car doors opening and
slamming shut
Muffled voices
And then a clear, comforting voice ringing out
“Here I am.” And I know I have “heard” from You.
Now three years later, I look back and see your comfort during the 7 weeks that followed until my mom died and then as I card for Dad.
I am grateful. My prayer today this Sept. 11, is for those in need of comfort.
page from “Life Lessons” StoryBook