Recovering

We had a ton of snow on the ground (and falling...) yesterday.  

I think it was our first REAL snow storm of the season.  I'm definitely not complaining.  It's been rather a mild Winter for us here in Indiana.

Joshua wasn't sure how he was liking all the falling snow.  

So Joel took him outside.

When Daddy tells him that he's going outside, Joshua automatically thinks that he'll be playing or working on Joel's tractors.  And this was not an exception.

Not sure who had more fun... Joshua or Daddy.  

But that was yesterday. 

Today Joshua appeared really tired all morning, but REFUSED to take a nap.  Hmm, a 2 year-old refusing a nap?  Who would've known.  He's been passing on naps for the last 2 weeks, but TODAY...

I asked him if he wanted to "rest his head on the pillow" in his playroom.  "Yeah!" and he ran to the futon!  After about 5 minutes, I couldn't hear a sound... not a word...  I let another 10-15 minutes go by, then decided to check on him.  

This is what I saw... 

 ...my tired Joshua recovering from all the parties, snow playing, and late nights.

How about you?  How are you doing at taking the rest you deserve and need?  Have you recovered from all the holiday festivities, late night parties, family and church gatherings?  Have you given yourself time to recover.  And I'm not talking about cleaning the living room from decorations, re-organizing the kitchen, or doing the mountains of laundry that needs tending.  I'm talking about sitting down, taking a deep breath, letting the Word and the voice of God speak and give you REST.  

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31

I admit... I'm guilty of not letting the LORD renew my strength and give me rest.  I'm guilty of auto-functioning and going through daily life without taking deep breaths.  But it is only by HIS grace and mercy that I'm even able to do that, isn't it?  

I hope I can [at least] be more aware of my need to take those deep breaths.  And I pray that I can REMEMBER to get on my knees to refuel and ask HIM to renew my strengths daily.  

So...What about you?  Are you needing to slow down?