“The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He makes me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,”

Psalm 23: 1-3

Yesterday, my part of the country began making preparations for a snow event.  I don’t know about where you live, but here in the southern United States, when 4 inches of snow is predicted, we shut everything down, run to the grocery store for our obligatory bread and milk, and gas up our 4-wheel drives.  It is an event.

For myself, knowing that schools were shut down as well as the church where I work, I packed up everything I needed to work from home.  After all, I may be trapped at home, but that doesn’t mean I can’t work.  And besides, I would feel guilty for going a whole work day without doing anything.

However, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. this morning and God spoke this word to me.

“REST,” He said.  “This day is a gift,” He said.

Hmmm.  I consider this in light of our study on receiving grace this week.  A day off, in the middle of the week – a gift from God.

As I continue to let this sink into my soul, I can see that God knows so much more about what I need than I do.  The truth is, I did need a day to mentally clear my mind.  I did need a day to just BE.  But I would have never initiated it for myself.  That isn’t what we do is it, friends?  If you are like most people I know, we just keep going even when a day (or 2) is what we desperately need for our own mental and physical health.

I think it’s funny that God can use something like a snow storm to lead me to my “green pastures.”  I think about the fact that my “peaceful streams,” include wearing pajamas and playing with legos.  My God knows me well.  And I have decided to accept His grace today and to receive this gift.  My world won’t end over one day apart from work.  And I most definitely think that my soul will be renewed.

Most Righteous Father,

Praise be to Your holy name.  You are a good parent.  You take care of me, even when I am not smart enough to take care of myself.  I thank You for leading me to places of rest and restoration.  Help me to see the opportunities for receiving Your divine grace, and to accept every one.  For You are my Good Shepherd, and Your plan for me is good.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen