Relax and Replenish

Happy Fall!!

Where I live, fall is in the air.  The air is crisp and the leaves started changing color overnight.  One day it was a green view, and the next morning colors starting bursting on the trees.  This is my favorite time of year.  The scenery is beyond amazing and it's time to bring out cozy sweaters. 

This year I decided to take the entire week off for Emily's fall break.  I normally take three days off but his year I decided I needed some extra time.  We always have our fall break planned down day by day so I thought it would be nice to relax and just enjoy the week.  I am so glad I took the break.  It does the body and soul good to just stop and take a breath. 

In Jeremiah 31:25 NIV God tells us, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  I certainly need to remember this when I let myself run on an empty tank.  This journey will test every aspect of our lives; emotional, spiritual, physical, and mentally.  It's not unusual to wake up and feel the weight of the world crushing us.  When this happens, you have to give yourself permission to take some time for yourself. 

Find what helps you to relax and renew your spirit.  Whether it's reading a book, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, or sitting by a body of water; find time to enjoy these activities.  God made us to enjoy the beauty in life and to live a life of abundance and joy.  Allowing yourself to enjoy activities and hobbies will help you relax and replenish. 

Something that I love to do is watch big birds soar in the sky.  I have big windows by my desk at work and I have had the pleasure of watching several big birds expand their wings and just glide in the wind.  I sit and imagine how peaceful and relaxing that has to be.   Watching them reminds me of a passage in Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV, "Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  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."

I know being on this widow journey is hard, complicated, exhausting, and mentally and emotionally taxing.  But just know that the Lord is with you.  When you feel worn down, open your Bible and I encourage a great devotional and let the scriptures soothe your soul.  Let God's Word give you hope and joy.  Scripture will feel the void and lift you up. 

All you have to do is be still and trust!!  Our God is an awesome God!!!  Remember Psalm 46:10 NIV, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Lord I pray for a renewal of our bodies and spirit.  I pray that when we feel we can not go a step more, we reach out to you for that rejuvenation.  Only you Lord, can fill our souls and lift us to beautiful heights.  I pray over all of these beautiful widows and their families.  Lord I pray that they allow themselves to be refreshed!!!  In Your Sweet Precious Name I pray..Amen!!!