When finding rest looks like kangaroos and wombats

Sometimes finding rest looks a little different than you might expect.

So I discovered in the Cleland Wildlife Park, where I spent a wonderful couple of hours wandering, watching the animals and taking photographs. Maybe they’ll give you a moment of rest too.

[Click on a photo to see the full size image and description.]

All creatures great and small

We had the pleasure of visiting Monarto Zoo over the weekend. As I looked over my photographs I was reminded of the old hymn:

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all

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O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!
In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your creatures.

Psalm 104:24

May you be blessed by the bright and beautiful things that God has made and given you to enjoy.

I might have walked straight by

I might have walked straight by. In fact I did. I saw it – this tiny flower no bigger than my thumbnail – and I kept walking.

And then I stopped. Time. There was time. No need to hurry.

And I went back. I went back to see it – really see it. To see this tiny gift of God’s love.

Eucharisteo. Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.¹

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1. Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts ↩

Thoughts on how to receive the gift of rest

“So how does one rest? … especially at this time of year!”

Good question. I’m not an expert on the matter by any means, but here are a few of my thoughts on rest.

Open the Gift

Who receives a gift and leaves it unopened? Tear off the wrapping paper and appreciate the beauty and value of the gift. Don’t put it on a shelf or in a cupboard and think “I’ll get to that later, when I have time.”

I don’t think God rested because he was tired from making stars and mountains and kangaroos and people. When God chose to rest, he set an example for us to follow. (Of course this is only one facet of God’s rest, but let’s just keep it simple for the moment.)

Trust the Giver

When we rest, we are trusting God to meet our needs. We don’t have to keep striving every minute of the day. When we stop and bring our focus back to the Lord, we give him the opportunity to meet us in our situation. Listen for what he might be saying to you in this moment.

Give Thanks

Celebrate and give him thanks for this precious blessing.

Enjoy the Gift

Don’t you think it pleases God to see you enjoying his gift? Don’t give in to guilt. There’s a time for everything … including rest! Allow him to refresh you.

Lake Te Anau, New Zealand

Tomorrow I’ll share a few practical ideas on receiving rest.

What am I grateful for?

Thank you Lord

For the cool spring evening air
And the velvet scented rose petals
For the colour of a momentary rainbow
And beauty that cuts me to the heart and overflows onto my cheeks

Thank you Lord

For chocolate sweet and silky melting on my tongue
And the light in a loved one’s eyes when they see me
For stories that touch me, teach me and change me
And the possibility of dreams fulfilled

Thank you Lord

For the sound of melody and harmony
And the gift of silence and stillness
For people who give the gift of themselves
And for shared laughter and tears

Thank you Lord

For the warmth of a hug that needs no explanation
And a smile that brings sunshine
For the joy of your presence
And the understanding that I am your beloved

Thank you Lord

For every thing
Small and large
That waits for me to notice

Thank you Lord