Got REST?

As we celebrate this Labor Day holiday in many different ways including picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, public art events and travel, I know few people who weren’t looking for a few “down days”.  The pressure and speed of life’s demands are exponential which often times stretch us beyond that which we desire or are capable of maintaining.  Most people were looking for a way to “get their batteries re-charged” and a three day weekend is often times an appealing way to do so!!

Labor Day began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the “working man”. It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many. Labor Day became a national holiday by Act of Congress in 1894.

As it relates to LABOR, where do we find respite and restoration …. and how do we find TRUE REST in the busy lives that most of us lead ….???

Jesus gives us the relevant answer in Matthew 11:28-30 ….

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

King David, in Psalm 23:2, also spoke to this issue in one of the most well known passages of all time …. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He RESTORES my soul”.

Irene woke up this morning with lingering nausea and did have a dialysis session.  While driving to the treatment and referring to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday routine, she softly lamented, “I wish that we didn’t have to do this so often.” My heart instantly melted in empathy and I asked her if she was feeling somewhat discouraged.  With heartfelt emotion, her tender response was simply, “I see how much this is taking out of YOU and I feel really bad about that ….”

Candidly, you

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9 p.m. ….

We were a couple of “kids” in 1978 …. with high hopes and dreams like most dating couples in their early 20’s ….

And where were we spiritually? Unfortunately …. absolutely nowhere!!!!!!

Nonetheless, Irene and I were married on March 1, 1980 and in late November of that year our world was “rocked” when our first daughter was born two months prematurely.  She had a severely deformed esophagus attached to her lung …. referred to medically as a TE Fistula which required a life saving emergency surgery in order to survive.  It was that experience that catapulted us toward faith in Christ.  Today, we’re eternally grateful for Jocelyn’s 26+ years of life which made it through such traumatic beginnings!  God also blessed us with a healthy JoAnna three years later and we’re forever thankful for her 23+ years!

But these opening comments are merely a prelude to the crux of today …. We hear that when two people marry the “two shall become one flesh”.  You may know of married couples that separate or divorce when crisis strikes.  So, here are some questions to consider:

Can a couple unify SPIRITUALLY and RELATIONALLY so that they not only overcome adversity when it strikes but actually “ …. become more one ….” through it?
Is it really possible for two people to “become one” in today’s world …. or is becoming one in heart, mind and soul merely a distant fantasy or fairytale dream?
Is it possible to still be on your “honeymoon” years after the wedding date?

Asked yet another way, how does a marriage get strong and grow even more robust, even when facing dire life and death circumstances?  The easy times are just that …. “easy”.  It’s when circumstances get TOUGH that often times make life and relationships very difficult to successfully navigate.

I ask these questions because some people are graciously complimenting the way in which we’re dealing with this “little matter” confronting Irene called Primary Amyloidosis.  Please forgive the personal reference, but what we want to carefully communicate is HOW we’re managing through the crisis together.  How we’re doing it may or may

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Irene and Dave
We continue to read your site and are always so very encouraged hearing of the Lord’s healing of Irene.  What a journey…what faith we see through both of your lives….an encouragement to us all.  With my physical challenges this summer, I can also relate to your words, Dave, “observing slow but forward movement”. God is so Faithful.  I, too, stand in awe of Him.  Love to your whole family, Tom and Deb Steipp

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