ER: Emergency Respite

“True to Your Word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.”
Psalm 23:3 MSG

Recently I have been restless, feeling unsure about this season and my place in it. There have been many things happening around me, but I’ve been internally feeling overwhelmed by it all. It has felt like my mind, my body and my spirit have been sending out an emergency signal that I have been ignoring…avoiding because I didn’t know which one needed the most attention. You can always tell that you’re in a low place, when you don’t even consider checking in on yourself, asking yourself if you are ok.

Quite honestly, I’ve felt depleted. I’ve been running on empty for weeks, and despite my best efforts I have not felt like I have been my best for those I love nor for myself.  In casual conversation, I mentioned that I needed a staycation, a local get away to reconnect with the Lord and myself, away from all distractions and where I can get some much-needed rest.  My parents heard my desperate request and graciously assisted in providing me an extended weekend respite. That was the first step. Now begins the process of a more balanced journey: where I cease to carry burdens that are not mine to shoulder, become a bit more selfish with my time, my space and my energy and learn the power of no.
​
In some time of worship and reflection, I was reminded of a lyric by Jonny Diaz that reads, “Let your weary spirit rest, lay down what’s good and finds what’s best; Just Breathe.”  And another by the contemporary Christian group, Hillsong United that says, “If you gladly chose surrender, so will I.” Both sets of lyrics serve as beautiful reminders and offer sage instruction for when our hearts become overwhelmed by life. I want to learn how to breathe into the peace of God, set aside all of the things that I consider “good” to make more room for God’s best, and gladly choose surrender so that He can work in me and through me more fully. ​

My emergency respite has gifted me more clarity and perspective. I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to catch my breath, helping me to regain some of my strength, get replenished in His presence and for setting me in the direction that He would have me to go.