Rest Notes

Lemon and Muffin

These past three weeks have been quite trying with a situation that I have dreaded since day one and that was losing my wonderful, sixteen-year old furry companion, Lemon, our cat. Lemon had developed thyroid issues and now moderate kidney issues. To make a very long story short, he went to "kitty heaven" June 8, 2017. His brother, litter mate, Muffin, died 4 years ago.  Both were such a part of our lives and only pet owners understand how they are "family members";the loss is some times gut-wrenching. 

Have you ever experienced something huge in your own life that just about sucked all the energy out of your body and spirit? I have often used an analogy of the rest beats in a score of music in referring to our lives at times.  Too often we can get caught up in the actual music notes but don't think much about the rest beats in it.

Often there is not a note for each beat, so what happens then in that music score? We take a rest!!  There are signs in music that show us how long to hold the rest note. Some folks live their lives thinking "doing" is the most important thing, with incessant activity from morning to night, because they "don't want to miss anything!"  

Have you ever found yourself, even in a house of prayer, a religious service or trying to pray certain prayers only to wander off, not concentrate and be a thousand miles away thinking about other things?  You're not alone! Even in one's prayer life it is possible to not have any "energy" for words, concentration,actions or even specific conversation with God.

These are the times when simply "being with" God, sitting quietly or offering those times and day are sufficient. Our intention of offering all our daily struggles, merits, etc. is a wonderful way of being with God. I do think of Jesus hanging on that cross...and then it's easier to forgive myself when I want to beat myself up for "failing" for what I do not "do" in my prayer life. 

Well, when the body stops, eating stops, talking stops, chores stop, prayer falters, feelings and emotions must be honored. It's amazing what happens when we are willing to be honest with our insides.  Yes, when raw emotions come up, having someone who will simply "be with" us and allow us those pauses when we must rest until we can speak, move or talk again, is a gem of a friend. 

http://www.musicnotes.com/blog/2014/04/11/
how-to-read-sheet-music

So, when circumstances have us in a spot that is challenging let us remember the "rest notes" in our symphony of life.  If we honor those rest notes our day will offer us a unique melody we won't forget!

If you would like a spiritual companion to journey with you in the "rest notes" of your life, call me to make an appointment.  I am a spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  920.793.3530