So I dropped out of the rat race today. And not by design. It was pure happenstance.
I got to my work station an hour later than usual. I unhurriedly read the paper while I drank my morning cup of coffee. I attended a most boring presentation by the Insurance broker; well, I didn’t have the say-so on that one. Then I made calls to reconfirm my day’s appointments. All of them (and I mean all of them!) got canceled. Instead, I got a call from my dad; then skyped with my bossom buddy and a little later Bongole, my amiable decade-long dog vet dropped in.
And as the sun’s shadows lengthened, I rode to the local mall. I let the fellow behind me take that first parking slot. It dawned on me that I had unwittingly broken the 9th Rat Race commandment: “No matter what, always take the first parking spot you see”. For that, I ended up whirling in the parking lot in search of the next free slot. So much for rats and races, there’s a scintilla of truth in that little nugget, after all. Then I engaged in a most hearty conversation with the lady who sold me sweaters for my girls.
And here I am now. Typing under candle light. It’s so quiet I can hear my heartbeat to the second. Not an iota of sound. From my standpoint, and beyond the dancing shadows on my wall, I see all the apartments on this block are lit. Not mine. Whatever happened. I will not call to complain; I’ll take it all in. It’s not everyday that I have the world to myself, or so it feels. When the wick saps up the last bit of wax, it will be pitch dark. Hopefully, I will be fast asleep.
It’s been a good day. And I lengthened it by stealing a few hours from the night. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring but the words of Jesus* ringing in my mind right now are most reassuring: Are you tired? Burned out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or Ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly…
*Matthew 11:27-29
November 9, 2013 at 1:33 pm
“…the unforced rythms of grace…” Very very SOLID!!!! I enjoyed reading this piece. Even the part that disturbed my ka mind, “…an iota of sound…”! Never thought of sound in “iota” terms!!!
November 11, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Thanks Jack. For your sake, let’s replace the word “Iota” with “Trace.” Now, how’s that?! LOL!
November 11, 2013 at 2:12 pm
A beautiful article, little bro; I’m getting some candles ready.
November 11, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Well put Zik!
November 11, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Thanks! This encouraged me today!
September 26, 2014 at 11:43 am
Mr Zik,
Later than never…am reading your blog. Like this piece…still challenged by Mat 11: 27-29, sounds so easy ! Yet, so difficult ! Why is it so difficult, just to trust God with everything,every bit of our lives? For me, I just want to know everything ahead way before, so that I can plan accordingly ! God doesn’t lay it all in front of us…how will I escape?
October 14, 2014 at 1:21 am
Hey Elise: What you describe has always been the struggle every earnest believer has had to contend with through the ages! I suppose that is why our relationship to Jesus is equated to a daily walk – taking our cross daily and following Him; a daily decision to accept our fallibility and see ourselves for who we really are – helpless on our own and in dire need of a savior. And in that dark shadow, the sweet deal that the light of salvation offers; to daily appropriate His grace that is poured out to us without measure. Anything short or beyond this will always take us back to the place of despair – a despair that is devoid of hope.