Recently I have felt the need for rejuvenation and renewal more frequently than normal. Yes, I've taken on homeschooling our kindergartener, but I've also been stricken with an overwhelming sense of compassion for the poor, elderly and indigent in the town where I currently reside. This new sense of responsibility has translated into poorly marking my boundaries out of a sense of guilt or obligation. A five year-old demanding my undivided attention up until his eyes close for the night and two elderly women wanting friendship, needing medication to be picked up, and requiring groceries have depleted my spirit of its vigor.
So today I sit delving into the Word at Panera Bread with a Starbucks decaf White Chocolate Mocha in hand, no five year-old and no needy elderly women pulling at my heartstrings. I am able to hear my Jesus ask me, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32) I reply just as the blind men saying, "Lord... [I] want [my] sight." (Matthew 20:33) I want to see my Jesus today.
And, as if I expected Him not to respond, I continue in Colossians where I last left off reading, "... you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (3:9-10) I hear His sweet, gentle voice saying, "You have chosen to come to Me for renewal today. True, deep, soul healing renewal comes as you spend time getting to know Me."
"My dear, I have given you a new self... 'you have taken off your old self... and put on the new self'... 'cloth[ing] yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.' (3:9-10, 12) You have allowed me to tailor these new garments for you, but don't lose sight of ALL that I've called you to. 'See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.' (4:17) Don't forget about the things I called you to first: to write and speak. Yes, compassion, humility, kindness, etc. are your new clothes, but they are nothing if you are constantly standing at the mirror admiring them. I want you to share the gift of this wardrobe with others through writing and speaking so that they may be spurred on to good works in My Name. Staying focused on writing and sharing will also give you time to be renewed as you spend time with Me getting to know my heart better and better.
"This is not a selfish focus. 'The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.' (Mark 14:7) You will be of no service to these "poor" if you continue running on fumes. Remember, '...proclaim [Me], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that you may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end [you] labor, struggling with all [My] energy, which so powerfully works in [you].' (Colossians 1:28-29)"
Are you too in need of a way to temporarily escape all that pulls at you in order to be renewed and rejuvenated? You may find Calgon's bubbles, Panera's broccolli cheddar soup, Starbucks' mocha, or something totally different your little sliver of God's glory this side of eternity. Share it with Him desiring to see Him revealed in the intimate details of your personal circumstances getting to know His heart better and better. He desires to be known by you.
