A “Recipe” For Rest
We all need to stop and rest from time to time. This comes easier and more naturally to some of us than to others. Until a few weeks ago I was one of those who resided in the “I’ll rest when I die” camp. Oh, I would claim that I could rest, or would rest, as soon as________(you fill in the blank), but those closest to me weren’t fooled by my announcements of having rested or of my plans to do so soon.
It’s really not that I was opposed to slowing down or stopping at times, or that I in any way thought less of those who did, it just always seemed that there was so much to do and so little time to do it all. So, though family and close friends had admonished me repeatedly to “slow down”, I just kept going at my normal clip and must secretly have been arrogant enough to think I just somehow was different than everyone else and didn’t need to take time out. But God had other ideas for me and like a “good father” with a busy child who isn’t paying attention and is more tired than she knows, He took matters into His own hands and gifted me with a “time out” to rest.
On Thursday, July 19th I was carrying my baby granddaughter and hurrying to get out the front door when I tripped on a rug in our entryway and in an instant life changed. With no free hand to help break my fall as I was going down, out of pure instinct not to fall on my grandbaby and crush her, I turned my body to my right side and came down with all my weight and hers, on my shoulder and arm. As soon as I hit the floor I saw that she was OK, but knew instantly that something was very wrong with me. My right arm was protruding in an unnatural angle and the pain was searing.
The Readers Digest version here is that my arm was dislocated, my shoulder was shattered, the ball of my arm that is supposed to fit into the shoulder socket was broken and the rotator cuff muscle of my shoulder was torn. It was not a pretty picture. At emergency they toldme after taking xrays that nothing was broken so it took more than a week, and constant horrible pain, for me to see another doctor and determine the extent of the injuries and the need for surgery. So last Thursday, August 2, for the very first time since having my tonsils removed at age 3, I went “under the knife”. My truly wonderful orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Shankwiler, operated on my right shulder to put things back together as they should be.
Now I realize that none of that sounds like a “gift of rest” so let me explain myself. Following the accident and ultimate diagnosis of the injury, it really didn’t occur to me to ask God “why” this was happening. But I did ask Him what it was He wanted me to learn from this experience as I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. In the days leading up to my surgery, I was definitely slowed down and in a lot a pain but didn’t have any clear answer about the lesson I was supposed to be learning. Then last Monday, my pastor (who is like an “adopted son”) Albert Tate, came by to pray for me on his way out of town for a week. The usual petition for healing and a speedy recovery that you would expect someone to offer in a prayer was there, but before he finished the Lord used Albert to give me my answer about what He was trying to teach me. I will never forget what he said, because though it was Albert’s voice, they were God’s words to me. He said, “Lord we know that sometimes when you want to get our attention you make us to lie down in green pastures so you can give us the rest we need, rest for our bodies and rest and restoration for our souls.” That was my answer right there in a prayer from Albert and God’s words from the 23rd Psalm. It is a passage of scripture that I have known by heart since childhood and have repeated to others countless times, but never heard it that way before. I always heard or read it ‘He makes me to lie down in green pastures’ as if God allows me to lie down… not ‘He MAKES me lie down.”
In this past week since the surgery I have had some very sweet times of rest in the “green pastures” of my home. I have had much time in the wee hours to sit with God, to pray for those I love and just to …well… just to be with the Lord. In so doing, have known a whole new kind of rest. The outpouring of love Randy and I have received from our precious daughters, extended family, dear, dear friends and my sweet Chum Jackie is so very humbling and such a huge gift! Meals have been prepared, cards and messages of well wishes have been sent, prayers offered on our behalf and phone calls made of care and concern that kept us encouraged, pillows adjusted endlessly to try and make me comfortable, cold drinks brought to my bedside before I ever even needed to ask for them, medicine picked up and the sweet kisses and love pats from grandbabies who volunteered to take a turn to be my “nurse” have filled my heart and soothed my soul and body when I needed it most. This is the first time I have needed to be on the receiving end of such helpful expressions of love. Accepting help when you are used to being the one giving it has been a lesson in humility all to itself, and one I am ever so grateful to be learning. It has been an endless contributor to restoring not only my body but also my soul. All of the help is more appreciated than I know how to express in words. Even as I write this, I am still learning new lessons in love, joy and feeling the overwhelming benefit of abundant living and resting in “green pastures.”
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and your staff will comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
With a heart overflowing with gratitude for rest and for a restored shoulder and soul,
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That is the most beautiful “post” I have read here. I know your feeling. After brain surgery, I returned to bible study and asked the instructer for a few moments to speak to the class. I did thank them for their outpouring of love, dinners and prayers and could hardly get through my “speech” without breaking down. The only thing lacking from your experience were the grandbaby kisses. God too made me rest and brought a loving peace and joy into my heart and the “gift” of the surgery has given me a more than abundant life.
Thank you Wendy. I have thought of you so often in these days knowing that you too have forst hand knowledge of the gift of being made to lie down and rest with the Lord. you bare an encouragement seeing your ecovery and restoration after spending time with Him. Sending you love! xo, Robin
Rest and heal Robin. I had a similar experience last summer as I tumbled down a flight of stairs and broke the ball in the top of my arm. After rest and physical therapy, I’m good as new. You will be too. God is in your recovery.
Love,
Janie
Thank you Janie for those sweet words of encouragement. You certainly are as good as new….You are great!! ….it means so much to hear from someone who has already walked this road to recovery.
xo,
Robin
We have been going through a rest time, too. Since Oct. Dan was sick. Had surgery 3 weeks ago, and is recovering. God is so good.
God is good Marilyn….all the time. Glad to hear that Dan is recovering well. Sending blessings from green pastures your way 🙂
__Robin
This summer I have read and been blessed by W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, and I would highly recommend it! I think you, too, would enjoy this insightful book written from the perspective of a shepherd..
Praying for you as you heal that your soul will find rest in God alone, for your hope comes from Him. (Ps. 62:5-8)
Blessings,
Debbie
God’s love is encircling you and restoring and healing you. Please know that my love and prayers are with you and your dear family.
Sally Tingley
Oh Sally, how very dear you are to be encouraging me, especially during this time in your life! God is so good and He is able to give us both all we need ….has already given it in fact. Sending you so much love…mine and His and tight hugs too.
–Robin
Oh Debbie thank you for your words of encouragement and the powerful reminder that indeed my hope comes from Him!!
–Robin
Oh to drink in those green pastures and restore our souls. Robin, praying your shoulder continues to heal and you will then frolic in those pastures.
Love to you Janna
Looking forward to the frolicking again with my sweet Chum, Miss Janna. Thank you for all your love and prayers and the feast you brought for us to enjoy! I am blessed by you Janna more than you know 🙂
Dear Robin, I recently got the news that you had surgery and immediately thought of bringing you dinner…but then heard the sign ups were full! Not surprising …because you have ministered to so many they in turn want to serve you. I have a copy of the book Debbie J mentioned below and will bring it to you. He shares a wonderful perspective of the 23rd Psalm and I believe it will encourage you, too! Hugs to you and thank you for your vulnerability and reminder to us “doers” to take time for rest and restoration. Love, Lisa F
Thank you Lisa for being, as always, such a strong source of encouragement. i would LOVE to read the book. I am learning so much….not the way I planned obviously, but as Gordon Kirk used to say so often…”God never wastes our pain.” He is using this to teach me so much about Himself and to just give me the sweet gift of time to sit with Him. Thank you again for your kind words. I’ll look forward to getting the book when you get a chance to drop it off:)
–Robin
Dear Robin,
I came across this story as I was perusing a more recent report on your site; I accidentally hit something on my IPad and this story popped up. By now hopefully your are well on your way to recovery ( Dr. Shankwiler operated on my knee many years ago after a ski accident ). Today, was suppose to be my day of rest and I have been doing anything but resting. Thank you for printing out the entire 23rd Psalm. I really needed to see it today! God Bless you Robin.
Elaine O.
Thank you Elaine. Dr. Shankweiler is truly a great doctor and a wonderful person! I am happy to say that one year later I’m 100%. Still, I know I needed that time of rest and being made to “lie down in green pastures” that the Lord saw fit to give so I am grateful for that time and the life lessons it provided. I hope you got some rest too, Elaine…it is so important for all of us to have regular times/days of rest.
Robin….you do for others beyond measure & it is a “gift” to receive this blessing. I am sorry for your shoulder & pain. But I am delighted you now know that you are LOVED, cared for & mostly that your Shephard is taking care of you in green pastures!
I love you! If you need ANYTHING at all please let me know!
Milissa
Milissa you are so dear to encourage me with your words. Your kindness means so much. We have shared some hard places with each other over the years, but have shared some real victories too. Thank you for loving me through this rough spot and reminding me how loved I am by my Shepherd first and foremost, but by so many others too. That is the sweetest victory of all!!!
–Robin
You deserve it, Robin!! A hundredfold!! Especially since I know you will be back at your usual “clip” before any normal human being in your position. Much love from us!! xoxo
Allison, you are ALWAYS such an encouragement and quick to bring joy with your kind words. I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you and dear Matt and that precious little Korean doll, Henry 🙂
xo,
Robin
That is beautiful, Robin. I never looked at that verse and got the actual message that He MAKES us lie down. I have had those times, too. I am just emerging from one. The trick is coming out the other end of them, and remembering how sweet the time with God is, and how much I need to take time regularly to rest in His arms. I, too, am a do-aholic, and love doing, but God wants me to learn to BE. Doing is easy for me…being is not. Giving is easy, receiving is not. I hope I can remember to rest, to be still, and to live in the reality that because God IS, I can BE. Everything else flows from that. Just my take on it. I am so glad that you have been so cared for and loved in the midst of a rugged time. love you, Bonnie
Glad to hear you are on the mend. Wish we could be there for you at this time. You are in our hearts always and in our prayers knowing that God is continually perfecting everything that concerns us. We come to find his precious love lessons and blessings in all circumstances.
I gratefully recall the day you came straight from work to Simi Valley Hospital to pray for our Dad after his near death cardicarymthmia and to comfort my sister Catherine and I If that weren’t enough you also had meals in hand for us to take home to our Mom.
We love and miss you,
Rosa and Adele