Saturday, June 12, 2010

Familiar Fatigue & Uncomfortable Chairs

I cannot go into details because I do not want to announce another person's private information on the Internet, but I spent several hours in the hospital where my father died earlier this week. I was shocked at how quickly the chair in the various waiting rooms became uncomfortable and how quickly I became tired. When dad was sick, it took several days before I was this tired.

Starting two days in a row at 4:15am and staying up until 11:00pm took it out of me. I then had to work until 9:00pm Thursday night and worked late Friday night. I didn't think I was capable of a coherent thought Friday night when a friend came over because they wanted me to pray with them over a situation.

I knew then it was a Matthew 11:28-29 moment. (Every moment should be, but I sometimes try to operate under my own steam and strength.) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will 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.

These words used to be spoken every week in our church service. Sometimes I think I heard them so often, I quit thinking about them and certainly never thought about living them out.

My friend and I prayed for a young man and his situation. We prayed for the Body of Christ. We prayed for Israel. We prayed for our government and the President. I was so refreshed afterwards. The presence of the Lord was so thick in my den, I could barely stand.

If you are operating in your own steam and or strength, if you are in the middle of a situation, remember you (and I) are yoked to our Lord and Savior. He strengthens us, He gives us rest.

I want to learn from Him and I know you do too.

5 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

Amen. Blessings to you prayer warrior!

Angela Baylis said...

You are right. I do too!! Thank you for this reminder, my friend! Thanks SO much!

Love,
Angie xoxo

Linda said...

Such encouraging words Annette. I often quote that verse to myself when life just seems to get too heavy to bear. If I can truly just rest in Him, there is such peace.

annette said...

So thankful He sustained you this week. I have been praying, and then to read this, it makes me very glad.

I hate hospitals-much for the same reason. I can hardly handle the smell. They all smell alike to me. I wear out very easily--sensory memories from a similar experience to yours. Bless you as you again try to balance your life with caretaking.

Love and hugs, A

Cheryl Barker said...

So thankful for the strength and rest He gives. I've been in need of both!