Good morning…
On a chilly, rainy day in Atlanta, Georgia, I received photos from my extended family who live in the midwest. “This is what it looks like in our backyard,” my dad wrote from Ohio into our family text string.
“Beautiful from your window,” wrote my sister from forty-five minutes away. “This is Jonah (her grandson) playing in his driveway.”
“Our backyard and deck. We have a ‘remote’ day,” texted my brother from two and a half hours away in PA. “Tried to get the cats out to play, but they didn’t seem interested.”
After a full workday, I drew a hot bath and sunk into the tub. Like a bobbing buoy, an unexpected prayer rose up in me as a mysterious mantra.
I rest as God works.
On behalf of those stranded beneath the harsh weight of winter weather.
I rest as God works.
On behalf of the hungry and homeless who are without food, shelter, warmth.
I rest as God works.
On behalf of a friend whose extended family is stabbing, splintering, shattering.
I rest as God works.
On behalf of grieving families who have lost a loved one to suicide, to an overdose, to a grueling medical journey.
I rest as God works.
On behalf of those lonely, hurting, and depressed during this holiday season.
I rest as God works.
On behalf of our divided nation and the warring corners of the world.
I rest as God works.
“I have to remind myself continually that meditative prayer is not something I do but something God does in me,” writes Sue Monk Kidd on page 190 of God’s Joyful Surprise. “There is a dual activity. ‘God works in us while we rest in him.'”
I think, “Resting in God? That’s a task I can do.”
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] (Matthew 11:28, AMPC).
Might this become our meaningful mantra for the 2025 Advent season?
I rest as God works.
Lord, please give us eyes to see You actively at work in our everyday lives.
…Sue…
