How do you refuel?
These words from our icon have taken me some growth to understand. I'm a textbook extravert. I refuel around people. However, Thursday morning I understood Audrey.
On Thursday morning, I woke up wearing Wednesday's dress and make-up, clutching my phone. This is a work hangover, and a wake up call in more ways than one. I tossed on one of the LBD's I keep on rotation for occasions when I need to arrive at presentable within ten minutes, to buy time to swing by the coffee shop on the way to the office for a triple-shot espresso. Yet, the shock of waking up like a college student on Saturday morning did not wear off after the caffiene hit my blood stream.
I thought I'd have it a little more together by now. To quote Stripes and Sequins, "When I was younger I thought I’d have everything figured out by {26}...in some high powered career with a corner office wearing Theory business suits and Loubs. It’s funny how time slips by and before you know it you are at that age where you’re supposed to have everything 'together.'" Often I forget that I'm not the one responsible for having it all together.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." {Romans 8:28}
The "have it all together" race is a treadmill that is not only unsustainable but joy-depleting.
Get up early.
Jesus date.
Hit the gym.
Work.
6-9 meetings.
Work late.
Socialize.
Sleep a little.
Begin again.
This glorifcation of busy is my arrogant effort to play God with a feeble attempt to hold my life together when I know I can't. This treadmill leads to spending an entire weekend day between my Barbie sheets, lured out only by the prospect of a late afternoon latte and a manicure.
Though I'd like to believe I have balance figured out, the moment I hit it...I fall off its tightrope. In America, we're raised to believe we can do it all, have it all, and be it all, and that gives us incredible hope. Yet in the midst of the drive, and strive, and mad hope, we need to "enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Him set the pace" {Sarah Young, Jesus Calling}.
Professionally, I can honestly say "I made it." That's beautiful, but please don't make the mistake I made, and wait until you've "arrived" to slow down. Once you move into the killer office, rockin the heels and the power suits...you'll be trying like fury to figure out how to handle it. Each milestone we reach ushers in unique challenges and lessons in living well.
Why do I find myself relearning this lesson of rest every season?
We were made in the image of a God who rests. {Genesis 2:2}
Why would I think myself exempt from rest? Or unworthy of rest?
"There is a kind of relaxed leisureness that flows from a person who knows what she's about, who knows where she's going, and what she's doing.
No need to hurry if you're confident in who you are."
{Eugene Peterson}
Slow it down like Sunday morning today. We always get where we need to be right on time, and we can trust that what's for us will never pass us by.
Love wins,
Lisamarie
