Rest and Renewal!

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ” (John 3:3 NIV)

I am in the midst of a whirlwind week and I have to admit I'm pretty tired. I will get some rest this weekend and be ready for school again on Monday. I love the change and being with some of the greatest teenagers ever. But, every year the first week of school is crazy with activity, problem solving, talking, adapting and adjusting to schedules, and preparations for future class. 

It's fun, exciting, and exhausting at the same time.

I praise God for rest and renewal. He provides this for us from the very beginning of our walk with him. When we join and turn our lives to him, he changes us, renews us. He continues to transform us just like a new born growing to adulthood. As we grow we are reborn every day.

With God we can achieve more.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (The Message)

"Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"

Monday officially start the athletic season for my high school teams.  Everyone gets a fresh start and there is always a great optimism and excitement. All the plans have been made and finally we get to start implementing that plan. Will we reach our full potential?

Every August after a month or more of rest and vacation, I share the same enthusiasm as the kids.  I have renewed my spirit and am ready for a great school year.  What would happen if I approached every day the same way?  After getting a good night sleep, (I have to confess this does not always happen), I should feel renewed and ready to achieve the potential God expects of me. Sadly, I do not always reach that potential. Who's to blame?  Certainly not God. It usually is my own doing.  I don't get the rest I should,  I don't renew my body, I don't renew my mind, and my attitude suffers. I usually live smaller than I am. In order to "Live Openly and Expansively", I need to take care of myself physically, mentally, and more importantly spiritually. God wants so much more for me and my sinfullness makes me so much less.

Lord, help me to reach the riches and the blessings you have in store for me each day.  May your spirit prompt me to prepare myself by reading your word, sharing time with you and taking care of myself. Please renew my spirit each night so I can be a servant for you in everything I do. Thank you Lord for the limitless possibilities if I remain in you and follow your plan.  Amen!