in communion.
Our human tendency to have it all together, have it all, and get it all done squeezes our giant souls into multiple tiny boxes. We compartmentalize, and we do it very well. Once I complete the house work, then I can get to the gym. Once I get to the gym, then I can go to the store. Once I finish the shift, then I can have time for prayer. Once I finish my degree, then I’ll find fellowship. Once I confirm my career, then I’ll start a family. Once I get the groceries and the laundry done, then I can read. Once I get dinner cooked and cleaned up, then I can spend time with my family. Sound too familiar?
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10-27
Jesus tells us we can do it all. We can do all the parts of our lives that fill us up, bring us joy, and give life to our family. In fact, we must. We must care for our bodies, take care of our families, create space to grow in wisdom, and learn the heart of God. Our Father, in all of His kindness, knows our tendencies. He knows we are task driven and both fueled and discouraged by our own productivity. We are measuring our self worth by our own ability to get the job done, no matter how big or small the task - laundry, master’s degree, or both. The deadlines are set in our minds and only once we have ticked off the box, then do we allow ourselves the freedom to squeeze in 15 minutes of prayer time, or 10 minutes to read. By the time we’ve achieved this self-status, it’s probably time to do the laundry again.
We are a freedom people. We are called to live in communion with God. He is calling you, with His greatest and first commandment. When we love Him with all of our hearts, with all of our beings, with all of our strength, and with all of our minds, and when we love our neighbors.. we live a life of freedom, peace, and joy that is not overcome by the feats of our worldly expectations.
We will never get it all done. ‘We‘ cannot do it all.
“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Philippians 4:13
We must invite our Father into every tiny box, break free from our limitations, and surrender our lives. When we live in communion with Him there are no limitations, there is only freedom and perfect peace that does not waver with the winds of this world or the length of your to do list. We can grow in mind, spirit, and soul without becoming overwhelmed by the tasks required to get there. Lord, come dwell with me today.
When I am running up the hill, remind me of Your passion. Let my mind be in awe of Your strength to endure for me. Show me how I, too, can endure persecution when it comes my way. We are a team, and we train together.
When I am eating breakfast before work let my heart sing in thanksgiving for the food You have provided. Each person that had a hand in laboring to get the food to my table, let them be lifted up in my prayer. In Your grace, let me be aware of the body You have granted me to nourish, and may I nourish it well.
Let us dance to the music as we cook dinner and clean the kitchen in fellowship.
Throughout the entire day, in each moment, give us someone to love. Whisper a name who needs prayer, move our gaze to notice a stranger in need, steady our hearts in conversation. Jesus, be in and with and through us as we live our lives today.
Living in communion gives us freedom to let the load go. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. We can get it all done, but we cannot do it all ourselves. He is calling you to communion, He is calling you to rest in Him. Living in communion with God grants us peace for the journey. When we merge our boxes and fall back into the heaven that is our souls, we meet God. Once we have given Him our load, He will guide our vessel to the places He needs us to go. When it is time for laundry, He will be there. When it is time for healing, He will be there. When it is time for strengthening, He will be there. Rest assured, sisters, when it is time for laundry you are not just using your body.
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10-27
x courtney.
