Speed Bumps

I collapse at Your feet,

Melting

in a puddle of

grace

mercy

peace.

“I’m so tired, Papa.

I’ve been running so hard.

Did You see me?”

“Of course I saw you.

You never escape My notice.

But what were you doing?”

“I was working

running

trying

pushing

even when it was hard.”

“Uh-huh. And whose strength were you using?”

“. . . ”

“. . .”

“Is that why I’m so tired?”

“What do you think?

It’s okay to be tired.

It’s okay to be busy.

But I don’t reward you based on how hard you wear yourself out.

I don’t reward you for punishing yourself.

I told you to rest.

Not for a day or a week or a month.

I didn’t give you a time limit.

I said your brain and body need to rest.

Sprained ankles and broken bones are immobilized.

Why?

So they can heal.

Using them when injured only delays healing and can lead to permanent damage.

What do you want?”

“I want to be healed.”

“Ah. But do you want to heal-

It’s a process, not a product.

That’s why I said ‘rest.’’”

“Oh.

That’s hard.

I’m not sure I know how…”

“I know.

That’s why I’m teaching you.

It won’t take forever,

but it won’t happen overnight, either.

Not this.

We’re healing years of hurt.

Life doesn’t have to stop,

but your brain must learn to.

Are you ready to try again?”