At the top of the stairs, I stopped to take a picture of leashes and reusable shopping bags and an apron from Nano, hanging on hooks behind the side door. The simplicity caught my eye at the end of a day where I’d been doing enough work to make Jack a dull boy.
There is a rhythm that runs through life, and it sounds like this: work, rest, play, work, rest, play, work, rest, play. All of it is worship. Until one starts rising up, taking over the other two and pushing them to the back of the room. This week, for me, work tried to force herself to the front of the line—as if there were a line that needed a leader. She was sneaky, that one.
I let her be the boss of me. After all, I reasoned to myself, I’d taken a day off earlier this week to breathe and play and to catch up with old friends. So, I sat in my chair, my shoulders squeezing tight against my neck, my husband peeking in from time to time to ask, “Is everything okay?” I grunted back in affirmation and kept at it: work, work, work, work, work.
Some days, it’s necessary to work work work work work. There are deadlines and projects that require nose-to-the-grindstone discipline and dedication. We press and we lean in (as they say) and we fall in to bed, exhausted and pleased. Those are good days. The harvest complete, or the last paragraph written, or the documents signed in all the right places, or the walls painted and the curtains hung, or the deal sealed. But yesterday, my work was driven by all the wrong things: feelings of inadequacy, guilt over taking a break, a desire for a person to pat me on the back and say, “Well done.” So, the last time my husband stopped by my office and gave me a look of concern, I closed the computer, filled a fancy glass with club soda, and grabbed my camera.
The hooks behind the door caught my eye, and I set down my fancy glass on the floor by my feet so my hands would be free to take a few shots and I let the sound of the shutter help me rediscover the cadence of worship. The light through the window. The simple items of daily life, hung on hooks behind the door. The knots in the apron strings, the texture of the shopping bags, the light at my feet, and the cool air from the basement wrapping itself around my ankles as I stood at the top of the steps.
God has given us all good things to enjoy. The gifts of work and rest and play were made for us, and not the other way around. We don’t serve them; they are not the boss of us. Jesus is the only leader any of us needs. Maybe you’ve been being bossed around lately by one of these great gifts. Maybe they’ve tricked you into believing you are at their mercy, or that you don’t deserve a different rhythm in your life. I believe Christ would beg to differ, and I encourage you to pay attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit—whether speaking through a concerned husband, a blog post, or a simple “feeling” in your gut.
Are the gifts of work, rest, and play getting the right amount of time and attention in your life? Is one trying to be the boss of you? Make a decision, today, to give space for the one being pushed to the back of the room. For you, which one will that be?
I love this, Deidra! It’s so true… they are all gifts and they come in a rhythm! Lately, as He has called me to step away from a lot of routine (which I love!) He has shown me that much of what I had come to believe was ‘work’ – He didn’t mean for it to feel like that and if I let Him back into those areas, well – sometimes we can work and rest and play all at the same time. (Not always… but some glorious times!) Today – we are off to rest and play with friends …relaxing outdoors under shade at a Jazz Festival. (Loved painting to the new Pandora station… and nicely done, referencing The Shining, too! Or are we dating that proverb further back?)
Such wisdom here, friend. Thank you!
I love that the reminder for you in this came when you realized that you were just blazing through and that you recognized God’s invitation to slow down and see. I often think that a photograph is like a thank you; an acknowledgment; a yes, Lord, I see this and I’m grateful.
Oh this is so very, very good, Deidra. Work work work is nearly always the boss of me. I love the way you listen to God (and your husband).
Perfect reminder that each of need to find balance of work, rest and play and the permission to hang that “do not disturb” sign on our door. Seeing it as a gift from God does make my heart full of gratitude for it all even if it sometimes is not as balanced as I want. I do know that in the end, it’s a sign to give thanks.
Hello Deidra. You have no idea how your words have ministered to my soul today. I’ve been out of rhythm for the past 6 months due to my new job. I realize the job is not the problem. The problem is I have been trying to please everyone instead of the only One who matters. I’ve been putting myself last and pushing myself to the point of exhaustion on a daily basis. It feels as though I am surrounded by a perpetual whirlwind and all I can do is grasp at tasks as they fly by my face. As a result, I haven’t made as much time for my husband and two young children. I have often thought about quitting my job, but I don’t know if that is what God would have me do. I sense that He wants to quiet my soul instead of changing my circumstances. He wants me to keep my eyes on Him despite the whirlwind that surrounds me. I can hear Jesus whispering to me…”Donna, Donna, you are worried about much…please stop fretting…just come and sit with me for a while. Don’t you see you are carrying burdens that I haven’t asked you to carry? Let others carry their own burdens and I will help you with the ones that are yours to bear.” I love your beautiful words Deidra! Thank you for sharing! (P.S. I haven’t read more than a handful of blog post in the past 6 months…I think the Holy Spirit guided me to yours.)
Work is almost always the boss of me. I {almost} always feel guilty when I rest or play. I don’t know why I feel this way. I know it’s wrong. Perhaps it’s a remaining tether from that old {sin} bondage of defensiveness that God has {mercifully} helped me to overcome. Hmm, something to think about. Good stuff, Deidra, thank you.
There’s a lot here to love (especially the light on the carpet at your feet), but for me the most surprising thing is how a sound — the click of the shutter — snaps you into worshipful rhythms.
I love this in for so many reasons, Deidra, but this one stands out, “work, rest, play”! While keeping work in its proper place is always on my radar, I realize I’ve been clumping rest and play together in one category. With a house full and so many always coming and going, my rest is often usurped by play, and I find my tired self leaning more toward frustration and resentment than joy and gratitude. It’s so simple, but that clarification, that each deserves it’s own space, brings me a lot of hope. Thank you!
Rest won over work yesterday,over grocery shopping. I was tired even though it was early afternoon. I drove home via back roads, 99E. Forget. Interstate. I’ve dealt with enough stuff about my mom in the past three weeks. All I wanted was a nap. In quiet hse. Felt better today. More energy and happy to throw in a bag of clothes in a donation box on way to hardware store and favorite fruit store. Yes, a correct balance in life is good. I needed the reminder. Hugs and happy weekend!
Oh Deidra – I could read your words, get lost in your photos and peruse through your heart all day long. Such a gifted artist and gentle encourager. I’m so looking forward to your book. Thanks for respecting your time and honoring God’s gentle rhythms – the result is obvious right here.
Lovely and true, dear Deidra. Thank you.
Sigh…I am of the tribe work, work, work. Kinsman of the tunnel visioned and doer of all till done. Jesus help me find balance. Such graceful encouragement here Deidra. Always.
Beautiful post for many reasons. But for me the one which stood out was the gentleness in which your husband kept checking on you. Until you finally rested. So like the Holy Spirit in our lives … He nudges until we yield for He truly knows what is best and what we need. Thank you for the gentle reminder, as well, to listen. To heed Him. May you have a blessed & restful Sunday!
Beautiful. Our lives are always shifting to find balance. When we have our eyes on Him, and are ready to hear what He has to say, we can adjust things when they get off balance. Yes, let’s ask him if there is balance now or one thing is overtaking the other. I’m with you on that!
As a pastor’s wife, you are definitely an “around and about” filled with insight and blessings lady. Sure want to be at your church some time. To meet and see so many of yours. You are a treat! AND an encourager, even as I can truly say re: your kindness to me re: “The Annie Project”. Hope all goes well for you and forever.