It’s Much Easier If You’ll Just Cooperate

It’s Much Easier If You’ll Just Cooperate

Ahh.  What a busy day I have planned.  I’m going to Brenda’s to make cards with her and Karen.  I need to go to the post office and mail a Pay-It-Forward gift to Roberta.  Fair Value is also on my list since it’s time to get some groceries and a gift card for a special someone’s 89th birthday.  Then there’s all this stuff on my desk, screaming to be completed as I have been purposely trying to do.  And I have a study to complete, clothes to launder, dishes to wash…

Speaking of screaming, huh?  

Does it ever end?  Does this cycle of trying to get everything done in its proper time ever really be fulfilled?  

Meanwhile, there’s this still, small whisper.  Be still.  Be still and know.  

Okay, Lord.  You’ve got my attention.

Sort of.

You see, last night on the way home from a bonus date night (which included some ever-so-delightful meats from JD’s!), Steve and I were talking about church and the Bible and...don’t laugh, but we were also discussing one of our favorite movies, “Dumb and Dumber.”  For you see, there’s this one scene that epitomizes that cooperating is easier than fighting.  Here’s the link to it so you can see for yourselves:  https://youtu.be/m-HmvPr7mG0

I hope you laughed, as we did, when you watched this.  Does it remind you of how you too fight against the pricks (no offense, Jim!) that threaten to overtake you when if you’d just cooperate, when if you’d just be still instead, you might not have to suffer so?  Dare I say you might not have to die in this condition?  I think I do!  Gotta watch out for that rat poison, you know.

In conclusion, friends, stop.  Stop it--whatever “it” is--and just be still for a few minutes.  Remember Who is in control (and I can assure you--contrary to what you think--it is not you).  Remember Whose you are.  Let Him whisper to you this moment.  Cast your cares on Christ and let go.  Rest.  Be still.

Let’s pray!

Dear Father,

Pause.

Sigh.

My head is full of so many thoughts and squirrels are wreaking havoc in my mind.  It’s maddening, Lord, how when I try to take my own advice, the rabbits continue frolicking about in my tiny little brain, refusing to allow me just a moment--just one peaceful moment--of quiet.  How I need You to quiet me, Father!

Deep breath.  

Again.  In.  And out.  

Focus Stef.  Purpose Stef.  Breathe.  Let the clatter stop and just...just breathe.  Hear that clock ticking in the background? Those are precious seconds you will never get back.  Instead of thinking of what isn’t getting done while you’re being still, think of what is being let go of.  

Better, now?  

Yes!  

Thank You, Lord God.  Thank You for that moment.  Thank You for peace.  I love You!  

As I take one last moment of solace, Father, the thoughts are already trying to intrude again.  Bless my plans today, please?  May the time spent with my friends be joyful.  The groceries and goodies I buy?  Show me the ones that are most needed.  Mostly though, Lord, as that clock continues ticking, remind me to use my time wisely and to spend more of it with You.  That’s where my hope comes from.  May it be so, in the name of Christ Jesus, I ask.  Amen.