In this week's thought, I am asking two questions, "What does it mean to relax" and "When do I get to relax"? In answering the 2nd question, it appears that for most people relaxing is something that we plan to do later - when on vacation, when retired, when everything gets done. In answering the first question, it appears that for a lot of people relaxing means ceasing from activity.

Let's consider briefly the question, "When do I get to relax"? The difficulty I have in putting off relaxing to a later time is what do I do for the other 95% of my life - is it inevitable that I spend it being all up-tight, agitated, rushed and frenzied? One of the things that drew me to Jesus Christ was observing Him being so much at peace within Himself, so relaxed, even when He was in the midst of conflict and busyness. Of course the classic example is Jesus in the stern of the boat, sleeping on a cushion in the midst of a furious squall (Mark 4:35-41). The disciples on the other hand appeared to be all up-tight, agitated and annoyed: "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Relaxing, in my opinion, has less to do with what is happening in our physical world and everything to do with what is going on, happening, inside of us. Even in the midst of the busyness of living, Christ wants us to experience that inner rest, that inner peace that only He can bring into our lives. So rather than something that we plan to do later, He's inviting us NOW to enter His rest:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30).

 So in response to the question, "When do I get to relax?", I think His answer is NOW, TODAY!

Let's consider the first question, "What does it mean to relax?" Of course, it is helpful to find those moments when we simply put our feet up and do nothing! There is some value in simply ceasing from activity! But simply ceasing from activity won't necessarily lead to relaxation or inner calmness. For myself, relaxing is making a decision to give myself permission to "let go" and place myself into the hands of a loving & caring Heavenly Father. It is knowing that throughout this busy day, His presence is with me - His love and compassion is ever flowing into me - and I'm drawing upon a power that is greater than my own. Relaxing to me is in context of a RELATIONSHIP. I know He loves & cares for me and I allow myself to trust in Him. And as I choose to trust Him, I experience that deep inner joy that flows forth from being connected to such a beautiful & loving friendship I have with God. Sometimes I am utterly overwhelmed by how much energy I still have at the end of the day despite the fact that the day has been so full of activity and challenges.

It is my opinion that God wants you to discover for yourself that rest, that peace, that inner calmness and serenity! That journey begins in opening the "gate" of one's life and "inviting" Jesus to share His life with us. Over the years, millions of people have discovered His peace, His joy, His love & His rest! For that to happen, we must be willing to take that initial step of faith: that of extending a personal invitation to Christ to have Him share His life with us! If you have never done that, why not take a few moments right now and give Him a welcome into your life, into your home! You will be glad you did!