Take it Easy
Photo Credit
We are remodeling the house. My life is in boxes cluttering up the living room, and the upheaval makes me frazzled.
This weekend, I had 10 million trillion things to do. I wanted to run away and hide. To top it off, I looked at my calendar, and I’d set aside Sunday weeks ago to drive down to see my family.
I honestly felt guilty as I climbed into the car for the 40 minute drive south because I was leaving my man behind alone to do the heavy lifting and clear out the over-stuffed bedroom. But then I pictured my sweet soon to be 95-year-old Abuelo sitting in a chair looking smaller and smaller every time I visit.
I pressed the accelerator down and moved away from my personal agenda.
In Miami, I did a nothing that was an everything. I sat quietly and said little. I cradled a wrinkly hand in mine and remembered how it once was strong and big and brave and secure.
I listened as Mami lamented how she’d gotten up too quickly at the salon and ruined her manicure. I watched Papi hose the patio cement down until he was soaked through and sweaty.
I gave the gift of my presence, and I experienced God’s pleasure in the offering.
As I gathered up my belongings to head back home, my dad leaned in to give me the traditional Cuban kiss on the cheek and smiled.
“Cojelo suave,” he said. Take it easy, kid.
Suave is not my style. My style is harried and hurried. I want to stuff more into my day, and I stretch out the week by staying up way too late. I am the proverbial 5-year-old in pig tails refusing to rest when her eyes are obviously heavy with sleep.
I drove home with my dad’s words on my heart. Cojelo suave
My spirit hears the tender voice of my Savior inviting me to lay down my load, sit down at His feet, and take it easy for a spell.
What would happen if I did?
I see how Mary did. She sat at Jesus’s feet as her sister ran circles around the Savior. Mary slowed down and savored the moment. She accepted His invitation to drink in and find life.
In the midst of frenzy and fury, I can press in to Him and find peace.
My awesome Puerto Rican co-worker lived this truth out during her darkest season. I’d check in on her every few days and ask, “How you doing, girl?” Her Spanglish faith-filled response always made me smile.
“Tranquilita at the cross,” she’d say. Is there a safer place to be than in salvation’s shadow? As I surrender to Him and slow down, He renews my spirit and restores my tranquility.
Come and live, my friends. Sometimes choosing to do nothing is everything.
Let’s Talk:
How will you purpose to take it easy and sit at His feet this week?
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I love to sit at his feet while I am watering our trees. So simple and relaxing while nourishing the nature He created.
Love that, Laura. Bruce is like you in this regard. He gets such joy out of working out in the yard.
Oh, sweet friend! Your precious words made me cry. I just needed to read this so much today, and it touched me thinking of your dear grandpa. I have wondered how he is doing. God bless you and abundantly reward you for always encouraging me. Sending you love and gratitude.
Cheryl, I want to jump through my computer and give you a big hug. Thank you for thinking of my Abuelo — he will always be the first love of my life, you know.
I am soaking in this wisdom from your daddy.
He is packed full of Cuban aphorisms. I could write a book… except I may have to censor some of it. 🙂
Lyli … I’m cutting way way way back on the blogging scene … leaving just the lightest of footprints here and there …
I love your footprints in any form. 🙂
Such a sweet, sweet post, Lyli. You did the right thing, and how your grandmother must have enjoyed the visit! My kids and I often have conversations about how important it is to keep in touch with grandparents ~ to take time for older people. Goodness, it’s important to simply take time for any ages of people in our rushed society pressed with technology. I like how you hit on the most important “slow down”, however. Time spent resting in His presence is never wasted. It’s always a gain. xo
Lyli, this > “Sometimes choosing to do nothing is everything.” I am so grateful to have stopped and received this reminder. Thank you!
I’m learning… slowly learning 🙂
Thanks for the reminder which is so necessary in our hurried culture. I love your dad’s advice.
Take it easy! Have a great week! Sit at Jesus’ feet a spell, and bask in His love! 🙂
I love the wisdom of your daddy. I too keep pushing myself beyond exhaustion. I needed the reminder to take it slow today. Thank you for sharing!
“Lay down my load” so resonated with me. I too am the one refusing to rest when my body and eyes are screaming out for it. There is always one more thing to do, and it takes great intention to just rest and truly soak it in. What a sweet picture your father has given you in this one statement. So glad you shared on Fresh Market Friday and looking forward to more! Wishing you the best on your remodel also…another similarity:)
Oh, how hard it can be to lay down that load. What a beautiful illustration with your family and how God showed you the gift of presence. I love the Matthew verse…have you ever read it in the Message version? It’s fantastic!
Yes, I am a huge fan of Peterson’s translation.
Thanks for stopping by & leaving some comment love, Becky. 🙂