It’s a surrender, a laying down of arms. Whatever plans you’re making, whatever work you’re up to your ears in, whatever pleasures you’re enjoying, whatever sorrows or anxieties or problems you’re in the midst of , you set them aside, find a place to scratch out somewhere, close your eyes, and wait for sleep . . . . You have given up being in charge of your life. You have put yourself into the hands of the night.
It is a rehearsal for the final laying down of arms, of course, when you trust yourself to the same unseen benevolence to see you through the dark and to wake you when the time comes — with new hope, new strength — into the return again of light.
~Frederick Buechner. Listening to Your Life
Perhaps we must come to the end of ourselves through weariness in order let go of trying to figure life out. Everything has purpose doesn’t it? We have a choice about how we respond to what’s right in front of us, whether it’s full of joy or hardship. May we give up on being in charge of outcomes and enjoy the riches of Sabbath.
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So true and so very, very hard to do. I constantly drift from this truth and God is faithful to remind me again and again.
I need lots of repetition too Natalie.
This post has me thinking and asking questions: Why do I act as if the failure or success of outcomes is mostly my responsibility? Why do I not live in the certainty of God’s sovereignty? My problem lies in that undefined area between the two. Perseverance tells me to press on; faith tells me trust God. Fulfilling my God-given purpose has to include both. Sabbath rest restores strength for persevering and rejuvenates the spirit for living in faith.
I love your thought Nancy, I’ve read them several times. All good questions to ponder and they resonate, they do.