“Well what if we did this?”
We were already trying to find a way out of selling the house. Even though we knew it wasn’t an option, we tried to come up with an alternative solution. This conversation happened shortly after we finished our first big post-decision project. The guest room.
For months now, my kids and I have been calling it "The Calming Room" because even before the renovations started, it was a quiet place for Mommy to come and do some blogging/reading while Cola played with legos or something tranquil. We loved coming to The Calming Room to help our minds settle down. It makes sense that shortly after its remodel (with fresh white paint and a beautiful morning view of the front yard) I was scrounging for ways to stay forever.
The guest room is the first big change we’ve seen since we’ve started working on the house to sell. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have this room now. As you can imagine, my soul desperately needs a place of rest given the current state of our home. The moment I walk in, everything outside seems so much smaller as my worries blur and fade into oblivion. I’ve been known to do my best thinking around water (washing dishes, taking a shower, and kayaking on a river), but I most certainly do the best resting near pillows. Lying down on a bed doesn’t have to take place for me to feel that repose. If there’s a room set aside for that specific purpose- I’m at ease within its walls.
Come unto me, all ye who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. - Jesus
Oh how quickly we forget to rest in the name of Jesus. A place specifically designed to give us rest at all times.
There’s a hymn I can recall singing at the Church of Christ circa 1990 something, sitting in my Granny’s lap and chewing a piece of fresh Juicy Fruit gum.
Jesus, Jesus. Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing. Keeps me singing as I go.
Those words. That melody. It’s etched in my brain and tethered to my heart. So why then, are its truths so easily lost on me?
If there can be a room in my house specifically designed for me to be still and find peace- why then can I not find that space in my heart? Why not make room on my tongue for the name of Jesus to be spoken more? When we were children, they told us that Jesus was in our heart and I imagine I’m not the only one that envisioned this small cellar door that we could open and wave to Jesus. As we grew older, we learned that He’s omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. I wonder though, that in the reality of how BIG God is, we’ve forgotten how easily accessible He is for His children.
Lord, it is the cry of my heart to be able to utter your name and feel instant rest.
Jesus.
When my kids are screaming at one another (or at me!), when all the laundry is piled up, and the dishes are still “soaking” from three days ago.
When I’ve cancelled on yet another invite though I’m in desperate need of community.
When I’m too disappointed in myself to even step foot inside that Calming Room.
Jesus.
Let Your name bring me peace every time I say it. Your word says whatever I ask in Your name, you will do, so that Your name will be glorified. (John 14:13) Well, this is what I ask. That You would be my number one source of rest.
That little girl who sat on her Granny’s lap at The Whitney Church of Christ all those years ago loved to sing the name of Jesus. The very mention of His name sent joy bursting through her soul. This morning, her daughter sat on the front row and sang His name with the same light in her eyes while watching Mommy sing. When they got home later, the daughter asked the mother, “Can we sing that song with Jesus in it?”
Oh to be people that long to hear His name spoken once more. Knowing the power, the presence, and the permanent peace that it holds.
Today, I’m going back into time, to Granny’s lap and singing this song once more.
There's within my heart a melody;
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
"Fear not, I am with you, peace, be still,"
in all of life's ebb and flow.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Sweetest Name I know
Fills my every longing
Keeps me singing as I go
He Keeps Me Singing- Luther B. Bridgers (1910)
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