Real Rest

Friday April 20, 2102

Real rest.

Sometimes our bodies crave it, sometimes our spirits long for it.

I think of spring and see the fruits of it. Winter is the earth's rest...and just look at the fruit!

Counting this week's five top blessings today along with my friends from Friday's Fave Five. We welcome you to join us -- just click on over to Susanne's place and link up.

Here are my favorites from this week:

1. Progress. Another doctor appointment this week for my son Andrew, and more progress. After a major accident like his, progress comes hand in hand with work, and that’s what he has ahead. PT is stepping up, and I’m praying he does – that he shows determination, perseverance, and stamina. There are still unanswered questions ahead, but isn’t that life? As long as we have Him by the hand, we can keep climbing in spite of those unanswered questions.

2. Reading.
Oh, I know I’ve said this so many times before – but I love to teach books I love. And to see high school kids interested in a book? That’s gold! For my regular classes, it’s Lord of the Flies. Quite a few of the boys have said with surprise in their voices, “I think I’m really gonna like this book.” And for my Honors classes, we’re beginning Crime and Punishment. It’s a challenge, but I have a few who are picking up the gauntlet and showing maturity beyond their years. Exciting!

3. The help of friends. I’ve needed a little more help than usual this week, and friends have been there. Very special ones.

4. Rotisserie chicken! Andrew loves it, and it’s such an easy meal to serve when you just pick it up from the store. I love to see my boy eat and enjoy it.

5. This quote from a class I’m taking:

“You stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” (Saint Augustine)

I’m reading Confessions again and it’s such a treasure trove. I just chose this out of 12 quotes I’ve noted, and I’m only halfway through the book.

Our heart is restless until it rests in You. Take my restlessness; replace it with Your rest.

Wishing real rest for you this week,

13 comments:

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

This is a message I needed desperately to hear, Laura. Thank you, friend, for your timely words.

So happy to hear of Andrew's progress -- prayers for continued strides!
xo Heidi

Kathie said...

You've inspired me to read Confessions - I've read quotes from it but never the book. And we have it.

Wow - Crime and Punishment! in High School? I'm impressed!

So glad to hear your son is progressing well. I'm sure it's a challenge for him and for everyone concerned. Praying for you.

Hope you have some time this weekend to enjoy the nice spring weather. Happy weekend!

Barbara H. said...

So glad Andrew is improving and friends are near to help.

I've never tackled Crime and Punishment. Someday...

Love that quote by Augustine. I've never read him either, but should some day.

I've always been a little afraid of rotisserie chicken, wondering how long it has been sitting there, but evidently it must be safe.

Faith said...

My daughter took honors english from 7th-12th grade but never had to read Crime and Punishment all the way through altho in senior year she did read portions of it. that's a tough one!! She did NOT like Lord of the Flies in 8th grade though lol...nor did I but I know it's a great classic. I am happy to hear of your son's progress...he is still on our prayer list as are you. Great quotes again....i needed that this afternoon! :)
have a happy restful weekend!

ellen b. said...

Love the quote Laura! I'll probably steal it for my facebook update. So glad your son is having good progress and I pray he'll be able to persevere and work hard so he can continue to improve. Oh man Lord of the Flies really affected me when I read it for class in high school. Yippee for good helpful friends!
Have a great weekend Laura!

Karen said...

You are an amazing teacher and always inspire me to read and do more. Yay for Andrew and progress. In my prayers daily! luv ya!

Brenda said...

So glad that Andrew in improving, and you are right, it IS a lot of work to get better at this point. I love rotisserie chicken too, but my family does not seem to appreciate it as much as I do :)

Jerralea said...

I love rotisserie chicken, but my family is not crazy about it. So sometimes I buy it to use for recipes that called for cooked chicken. Saves me time.

So glad Andrew is improving. I'm praying he will be able to work hard in his recovery.

Love the quote! You come up with such interesting ones!

Gattina said...

In difficult situations you can see who is really your friend !

Nice to hear that your son makes progresses !

Susan DiMickele said...

There's rest. And then there's real rest. I love that you differentiate from the two.

Yeah, I too am thankful for the help of friends this week. I've been traveling and have a small army of carpool moms who have made the week bearable (along with my dear husband).

Susanne said...

Cheering Andrew on in the new challenges coming up! Glad to hear he is making good progress.

Isn't wonderful to know you have friends you can count on when you need that extra help.

Willow said...

I think it's time I picked up Conferssions and read it through. I've read parts but never just read it (and it's free on Guttenberg!)

I'm here cheering Andrew on to hard work and perseverance!

Carrie said...

yay for progress!! I'm glad he's on the mend -- even with unanswered questions before you all. Progress is progress!

Smiling about the reading. Apparently books got to us this week in an extra special way!

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