Restless-Audrey Assad

Some ladies at our church declared this month "Just say No-vember" much like the men do during "No-shave-vember."  Our thought was to say, "no" to anything that would make us too busy to enjoy spending time with God during this time of year.  Autumn is a special time for us to begin to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.  It is full of family gatherings, school concerts and special activities in our community, all of which are good things.  But in the hustle and bustle of the next two months, it easy to say, "yes" to everything rather than focusing on one or two things to really focus on.

So how do you decide where to say, "yes" and where the answer should be, "no"?  

I like this quote:

  

It makes me think that God isn't so concerned about what I say "yes" or "no" to but rather how my soul feels when I am asked.  I have lived a life of overwhelmed schedules and definitely felt the pain that causes not only in my own heart but also in the lives of those around me.  But I've also been an empty schedule that caused the same feelings of emptiness.  

So my plan for the next month or two is to ask a simple question.  "Is this request something that only I can do?"  Can someone else do this and get the same or better result.  For example, most people can keep kids for a mom to grab coffee with another mom.  But there are some children that can only be left with certain caregivers.  If I am one of those few caregivers, then I will be more inclined to say, "yes."  My other question is, "If my daughter is my top priority, how does saying yes or no effect her?"  There are times when she needs me- to transport her to an activity, to be available to talk, to make sure she has eaten healthy food.  Granted, she is 16 and has a life of her own, but as a mother it is my role to balance my activities with her needs.  

This song, I think depicts how I process life this season.  Whether I am busy or not, it is my heart's motive that matters.  If my life is so busy that I fail to see Jesus in the comings and goings, then I need to say "no.".  If my life is so still that I am not reaching others for the gospel, then maybe I have said, "no" too much and need to say, "yes" more.

Still my heart, hold me close
Let me hear, a still small voice
Let it grow, let it rise
Into a shout, into a cry
And I am restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, let me rest in You
And I am restless, so restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You, Oh God
Let me rest in You.