Learning to simply be delighted.
by:Rachel
Another day— actually, I could say another week. Seven days pass and it feels like I’m just getting to the end of one. Frustration had begun to set in as each day was taking so much out of me as I endeavoured to fulfill the tasks before me and then get a little space to myself.
But there is laundry to wash and hang, tidying to do, dishes to wash, and food to prepare. And Aria, sweet babe, taking so much out of me as she’s been more clingy lately and clamouring for attention. Okay, I felt as if I’d slipped to the end of my rope of sanity.
Then, a couple of days ago, getting a little tired of reading Huck Finn, I picked up John Piper’s The Dangerous Duty of Delight. The chapters are nice and short, so I’m able to snatch tidbits off between tasks. God really used this little book to encourage me. He gently pointed out to me:
“Rachel, yes, you have these tasks before you, but first of all, don’t bite off more than you can chew.”
This is constantly a weakness for me. I love to be at rest and to simply savour things, but in my life, it doesn’t seem to pan out. Instead, when I have a little space, I think,
Okay, what do I have next on my list of things to do?
Since coming to India and moving into our own place, that list has been constantly filled. I’ve been falling into bed exhausted at night, lamenting that I had no time to write, or read, or use my creativity. But then, if I did have time to do any of these things, the feeling of guilt attacked because I wasn’t doing more. I’d think that people or John would not see my place as valid if I wasn’t constantly busy. Then, like John, I read our friend’s post (Tara Hills) about expectations. It encouraged me to accept where I am right now and embrace this time in my life. I don’t have to worry about pleasing others as I don’t need to impress anyone with all I do. What a burden released!
Then, God pointed out to me that I needed to look at the tasks that I do during the day (laundry, changing diapers, caring for Aria, cooking, emails, etc.) as things that he has given me to do. They shouldn’t be looked at as tasks, but as pleasures. What?! Pleasures?
“Yes, Rachel. Delight in them. It’s okay. Your taking pleasure and delight in simple things delights me and brings glory to me. Do it to be happy.”
What a strange idea— doing things because they make me happy. Or, doing things and feeling released not to strive, but to take pleasure in them and not feel guilty about not doing more. Also, not feeling guilty for the pleasure I take in them as people will think I’m not doing enough if they knew that these things delight me and I don’t see them as sacrifice and work.
That’s where I’m at right now. It’s a good place— a green place. It’s life itself.
Please pray that I’d walk in delight.