Greetings!

 

BlogFam - 

I am a writer.

I know that might sound like an awkward way to begin this blog post but it feels like the right thing to say in this moment.  Writing is a spiritual practice for me and I take great JOY in doing so.  

 

I am a writer.  I have not always owned that part of my identity but I really do believe that it has been there my entire life.

 

I am a writer.  Yes, I just said it again.  I said it again because it has also taken me a while to say it publicly.  And since my blog is one of the safest places for me and my writing, I know that I can say that I am a writer and it will be OK.

 

I am a writer.  What about you?  Who are you?  What is your passion?

 

I was recently asked that last question.  I had a friend of mine to review my resume and we were planning to meet to discuss how I might update, revise, edit, condense or do whatever needed to be done to enhance and improve my chances in this job market.  After the small talk of catching up since we had not seen each other in a very long while, she dropped the bomb question.

 

"Delesslyn, what is your passion?  What is the ONE thing you would do everyday regardless of the financial compensation?"

 

My response, with a smile on my face and a deep sense of conviction in my heart, was simply, "WRITE."

 

She said, "Well, do THAT."

 

Friends, we never did make it to my resume'.  We just sat there and talked about writing and I felt so HAPPY in that moment because I LOVE to write.  I even love to read what I write. LOL!  I have written so many things throughout my entire life and now I am at the place on my journey where I really want to focus my energy on using this gift to be a blessing to others and at some point in the future, a financially lucrative option for me.

 

As I am processing my thoughts, even as I am writing, I am realizing that THIS is the point at which we find REST in God.  We cannot truly rest until our passion aligns with God's purpose and we trust that God will make provision for every promise that God has made.

 

True REST, in this life, is not just being still when things are hard, but it is being sure that THIS is what God is calling for YOU to do in this season or even in this life.  We do not have to wait for Jesus to come back for that to be a reality for us. We can have true rest now... right now.

 

I am starting to think about how our rest is connected to our purpose and the restlessness that we feel is often linked to our being on the outskirts of God's will for our lives.  And the rest we need will come as soon as we shift our focus towards pursuing our passion, our life's purpose, God's Holy Call upon each of our lives.  Then and only then will we be able to rest.

 

To only think of rest as the fulfillment of a physical or emotional need misses the mark.  Rest is also a spiritual necessity that is often overlooked unless we are praying for the kind of rest we become desperate for because we are just tired of going through whatever we might be going through.  The concept and actual practice of Sabbath helps us to address this kind of rest.

 

Sabbath was introduced by our Creator in Genesis.  And I do not think it was because our Creator was worn out from the process of creating.  I believe that on some level, the Creator knew that in order for US to fully appreciate the purpose for all things and to discern our next step along our journey, we must be OK with pressing PAUSE.  Maybe the angels rejoiced in heaven, maybe the Creator gave a standing ovation, maybe there was a party all over the universe when all that had been created was complete.  I do not know.  But what I do know is what we read here.  God paused.  God rested.  God took a Sabbath.  And everything was still good.

 

 

We have gotten so accustomed to partying and shouting and celebrating when something works out for our good and for the good of those we love and respect, that taking a sabbath feels unnatural.  It just does not feel right to press pause when we are experiencing momentum that is propelling us into our future.  Why stop now?  And the best answer that I can give, in this moment, is because God did.  God created the entire universe in whatever time God took to create it and then God rested.

 

Friends, perhaps it is hard for you to rest because you have denied your purpose for so long, you are unwilling to take the risk or the leap of faith necessary for you to be still with God.  Perhaps it is hard for you to rest because so many people are depending on you to continue doing whatever it is that you are doing that has nothing to do with your passion.  Perhaps it is hard for you to rest because deep down inside, you already know God’s answer for the direction you have desired but you might lose friends, finances, connections, or clout the moment you choose to say YES to God. 

 

Friends, the best thing that I can say to you in this moment is: REST in the Lord…

 

Rest.  Period.

And believe that God will align your passion with your purpose and trust that God will make provision for every promise that God has made.

 

Over the next few blog posts, we will explore REST in the Bible.  I was challenged by a friend to seek REST in the Lord and I am inviting you into this new discovery on my journey.  What does it truly mean to rest in the Lord?  How do I live that out?  What will it take for me to embrace Sabbath as part of my lifestyle?  How is God calling for me to “Rest.  Period.” in this season?

 

Friends, let us REST together…

GOD LOVES YOU and I DO TOO!!!

Delesslyn