'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ' Colossians 3:15

 This has been an interesting week. “What interesting thing has happened,” you ask. Nothing. Nothing has happened. Both Tom and I have been sick and all we have been able to do is sit on the couch and stare at the TV. That’s it. That’s all we have been up to. So, what makes that interesting?

 Peace. At another season of my life, everything in me would have been fighting against that reality. I have struggled with some guilt about being sick and not being able to fulfill certain responsibilities, but not like other times. The reality I’ve had to accept is that I can’t. And the amazing thing is that I’ve been okay with that. Others have been able and willing to step in where necessary. Where I have been is where I have needed to be. I have been at peace with that…most of the time.

 Rest. American culture minimizes the necessity and value of physical rest. We don’t applaud people for resting. We applaud productivity. But we are human “beings” not human “doings” and as such there are times when what we need most is to just be. Our bodies and our brains regularly need rest to heal and recover. In times of illness, it’s what we need most. That is what I have needed this week. Often, when my body is resting my brain is still busy. That has not been a possibility this week. I can tell that my body is recovering because my brain fog is beginning to clear. However, the windows of clarity are not as long as I might like. My energy drains pretty quickly. The best thing I can do is to heed the message my body is sending me and accept the rest. It’s counter-cultural, but it is the way that our bodies have been designed. We are made to need rest.

 Thankfulness. You know, thankfulness is the key to the peace and rest I can experience in this. If I don’t choose to be thankful – that there are others who can pick up the slack – then I am not able to receive the peace and take the rest. I am thankful for those who have stepped in to do what needs to be done and to care for us. Choosing to be thankful opens the door to the peace and rest I need to recover. It’s a simple and necessary practice that involves a choice, not a feeling. I must choose to be thankful. If I wait until I feel thankful, I’ll never be thankful. I choose. Feelings follow.

 Dear Friend, I don’t know what reality you are facing right now. It may not be illness, it may be a financial pinch or a relational disappointment. Wherever you find yourself today, Peace and rest are accessible to you through the door of thankfulness. God has got this. He has got you and your situation. Let peace rule in your heart. Rest. And be thankful.

 Key Thought: Choosing to accept your current reality and be thankful leads to peace and rest.

A Scripture to Consider: 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ' Colossians 3:15

A YES Challenge: What is your current reality? What prevents you from receiving God’s peace right now? What do you need to accept in order to receive His peace?

Prayer: Dear Father, the truth is that I want to change what is. I don’t like it and I want it to be different. But I recognize that there is nothing I can do to change the situation, I can only change my perspective. I choose to accept this unexpected and unwanted reality, to be thankful, and to trust that You are working, even in this, for my good and Your glory. Amen.