Just Enjoy the Rest

I don’t know what it is about summer, but suddenly God seems very far away.

I’m asking, seeking, and knocking, but it appears nobody is home. I know they always say when that happens, it is not that God has gone anywhere, we have. So, then I ramp up my spiritual practices to make up for it. More rosaries, more daily devotionals and scripture reading, and getting to mass before the opening song. I find myself reading scripture slower and being more deliberate in my prayer. All good things done with the right intention. Sometimes it all just seems like I’m putting on a show for God.

Making our way back ends up feeling like a lot of work. I don’t think that is what God intends for us.

Do you suppose this summer feeling isn’t a call to work for God, it’s a call to rest with God? Not rest from God, but rest with. Stop working so hard to be spiritual and use the energy and time to recognize God in the simple goodness of life.

We’ve heard the verse “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” How about “Rest and see the goodness of the Lord?” How often our spiritual life just seems like a lot of things to do. It’s no wonder we wander at times. We need to take the time to wonder at all the goodness around us. This time of year, it’s a bit easier since the days are warmer, the trees and gardens are lush and green, and we find ourselves on vacations or staycations with family and friends. So much goodness all around.

God is closer than ever, maybe just not in the way you think it should be.

So, pull up an extra lawn chair, set out an extra plate of watermelon, grill an extra brat, and invite God to join you as you rest the rest of this summer with Him. Don’t fret if you feel disconnected and wondering where God is. He’s just grabbing a soda out of the cooler.

Joan