Get Rest

There's a saying. There's no tired like first week of school tired.  There you are, living the life fantastic.  Waking up late every morning.  Staying up late at night.  Getting rest.  With the time I had, I was reading and walking.  I was taking naps.  I made plans and resolutions.  The summer was a time of both vacation and stay-cation.  I mean, I was making coffee dates and meeting people.  I was spending time with my children.  Every day was wonderful!!!  There is nothing quite like summer for a teacher.

I heard some where how exciting the first days of school are.  They were saying how wonderful it is to get school supplies.  I'm not excited!!!  I see school supplies in stores and I get anxious!  Cold sweat pours down my face.  It means that my summer is over.  Now, I like and appreciate my job, but I'm not bored and waiting for it to start. I miss my time, especially with my children.

I've been back at work for five days.  Already I am tired and the students are not back yet.  They come on Tuesday.  I had all of these plans that in the bright light of summer, were feasible.  I have not been meal prepping because I just fall asleep when I come home.  I have been eating horribly.  I have not been working out.  I've been cranky.  When I'm tired, I think that I am the worst version of myself.  Here I am tired  I'm the worst!!!  I snap at people  I'm judgmental.  I'm emotional.  Add hungry to the mix and I become the worst person that ever existed.

I think of this in light of Christianity.  Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." I make my own interpretation of this which doesn't necessarily mean that I am right.  This past week has been busy and I know that it will only intensify.  Okay, I think, "God, how do I come to You?  What kind of rest are you talking about?  I can't stop even if I wanted to and You're going to make this happen?"  I question God.  This is bad!  I doubt God's ability to give me rest.  In doing this, I am sinning.  I want to be clear about this.

So, I think about my exhausted state.  I remember this Bible verse.  I'm tired so I go to God in prayer.  This is what my prayer looks like, "God, I'm tired.  I don't like this because when I'm tired I'm cranky and I eat and act poorly.  Please allow me rest or strength.  Thank You, God. I love You.  Amen."  Then I wait to see what that rest looks like.  I am thankful because my prayer has been heard.  I am grateful to have and serve a loving Father who looks after the needs of His children.  Praise the Lord!  I'm going to believe that God is going to help me in doing what I need to do.  So, my Friends, don't be like me.  Trust that God is going to help you too.