AAH…

Aah…ooh…my belated birthday trip (a gift subverted in 2020 by the pandemic) was just that good! An intermingling of relaxation and rejuvenation. A rest in peaceful habitations, as life should be for those who are in Christ. (Isaiah 32:18)

Each morning on the beach was a witness of God’s majesty. There, I gleaned the Creator’s Incomparable Wisdom described in Proverbs 8: “I was there when He established the heavens, when He drew the horizon on oceans. I was there when He set the clouds above, when He established springs deep in the earth. I was there when He set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations. I was the architect at His side. I was His constant delight, rejoicing always in His presence.” (verses 23-30 in the New Living Translation)

I, too, rejoiced. Hallelujah! I am still rejoicing.

I kept gasping, choking on inward confessions that “I could live this life forever.”

And I will, through my memories.

I truly felt that I was in a state of trusting God with everything. I turned on the Do Not Disturb feature on the devices, I did not check any social media or emails, and I rested from the world of constant notifications and requests for my attention.

God really “had it” because I decided I was not going to carry “it” with me on vacation.

During this time, every need was met: food, clothing, lodging, and entertainment. But aren’t they always? Doesn’t God say to seek Him first, and all these other things will be added? (Matthew 6:33) Again, we are to live in this state of peace, allowing our battles to be fought on our knees, and within the heavenly places.

A lengthy rest allowed me to see what I had not seen about myself and about our good God. So if you have not had a vacation in a while, I encourage you to take some time away from the daily grind. Create some distance in order to see life and creation in a superior way. Turn on the Do Not Disturb option on your devices, ditch social media, and trust that God can take care of everything that concerns you when you give it to HIm.

Admittedly, I am still working on my ability to really let go. I am not there quite yet. I come from a family of thinkers and debaters, and our voices can raise a roof when we get passionate. But I am laboring to tune into that still, quiet voice of the Spirit before responding. In the meantime, I am grateful for the grace God provides for the times I totally miss the mark.

Will you practice resting and trusting God more? I hope so. I will keep reminding you to do so. Because ReallyLeah is back. Revived and ready to be what I am purposed to be, to do life with passion and productivity, and encouraged to help you do the same.

Now is also the time to put in your orders for holiday gifts. You can view products and services at Reallyleah.com/shop.

Blessings on your day and the rest of this week,

Leah