A Catching Repose

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure ….” ~Psalm 16:8-9

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” ~Psalm 62:5-6

“Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone. Know his power in quietness and trust.” ~Reuben Morgan, "Still"

“The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.” ~Sydney J. Harris

I am fairly certain it is a universal quality in preadolescents, but my children don’t like to slow down at night. When bedtime approaches and beginning the routine is hinted at or even simply considered, every effort is made to find that second wind.

Spinning around on the rope swing …
Turning on “dancing” music …
Disturbing the cat …
“Mommy, I’m hungry …”
“Will you play ‘Blink’ with me?”
“Hey bubba, let’s make a fort out of the couch cushions …”
“Get the wood out of the garage so we can build a rocket ship!”

I think that somewhere in their subconscious they know that if they stop, even for a brief moment, they will realize they’re actually sleepy.

I do the same thing, though. After I finally get them in bed, I know I had better get all of my chores done before I pause long enough to breathe - lest I fall into a coma. Wash the dishes, refill the cat’s water bowl, wipe down the counters, put the wet laundry in the dryer, fold the dry stuff, stack the kids’ clothes outside their doors, rip out some baseboards and floor for the next project, dust the piano, go through the mail, clean out the litter box …

Why is it so hard to be still? Even when we make the attempt - to spend time with the Lord, to read a book, to simply vegetate – the human brain continues to race: chores to be done, people to contact, something to add to the grocery list …

The cat, interestingly enough, has no problem with such distractions. It could be because he has no responsibilities, no stresses (ok, two stresses, but sometimes they’re not around), not even the faintest thoughts. He’s a sweet guy, to be fair, but he constantly looks like his EEG would be flat lined. And that’s when he’s awake. He can sit for hours and look out the window. At nothing.

Then there are the times when he succumbs to slumber, which, in keeping with his cat-ness, are quite frequent.

The dude has figured out how to relax.

I'm jealous. I think I'll take some lessons from him. =)