Keeping It Alive

When my son, Zach, was 2 we asked my mom to come take care of him for our anniversary weekend. It would be the first time my husband and I left him overnight. We were excited for the break and looking forward to a rest and reconnection as a couple.

Mom arrived a day ahead so I could show her the routine. At the end of the day she was tired and went to bed early. I went to pack for my romantic weekend.

The next morning at breakfast mom was quiet. Finally she voiced her concerns. "Lisa, I don't think I am going to be able to do this." I was crushed. I really wanted a break with my husband. We had booked a cute little bed and breakfast. We had dinner reservations. I was not giving up. I took a breath.

"What concerns you most, mom?"

"Well for starters I was exhausted by lunch time yesterday. I can't play with him the way you do. And I know I can't kneel down beside the tub to help him in the bath at night."

I smiled, is that all? "Mom, you know, it's only a weekend. I don't care if Zach is dirty, tired, hungry and cranky when we get home. He just has to be is alive."

Mom smiled. I continued, "I'm serious. Your job is to keep watch. You don't have to do any of the stuff I showed you yesterday. I thought is might help to know the routine, but Zach just wants to spend time with his Gran." Mom agreed to stay and do it her way.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the things I’m “supposed” to do to be a good Christian. The list seems endless: bible study, service, prayer, fasting, tithing. I can’t do this is my reaction. But all that is needed is an acceptance of grace. “He just has to be alive.”

Jesus alive and living in me is the only Christian requirement. That fact alone gives me days of rest and also the energy to compel me to tackle the endless list. I want to try things on the list for the joy of doing them not for the obligation. And in a happy cycle, spending more time in Christian pursuits makes it easier to accomplish them. I just want to spend time with God and through grace He wants to be with me.

He just has to be alive in me!

Posted 11/11/2008 @ 8:48 PM | Weekly Thoughts