Rest

Last night, I stayed up late and finished my research paper for my ecology class. For the last few weeks, I have been having a very difficult time going to bed. I don't know if it's all the late night coffee (which usually doesn't affect me) or just the amount of stress I have been (put myself) under, but sleep wasn't coming easy. I would lay in bed for a long time - thinking - before I could finally go to sleep. (Ironically, I could sleep at the drop of a hat upon opening the ecology book...)

Last night, afraid I'd have the same problem, but having finished all my "work" I opened a devotional my mom gave me a couple of months ago. My bookmark was in early June. Obviously it had been a while since opening this little treasure. I turned to July 6, and here is what I found.

"In the order of creation, rest-ful night came before the working day, assuring us that rest is part of the natural rhythm and restoration of our fragmented lives." -Jane Rubietta

The verse to go along with this little gem: Proverbs 3:24

In context,
"My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." - Prov. 3:21-26, NLT (Emphasis mine, on vs. 24)

Last night when I read this, I got through the Jane Rubietta quote and fell asleep with the book in my hands. The first thing I did this morning was read the rest of the page and the verse. Praise God, I slept good last night!

Some know and others don't, that my goal in completing my MS in Biology is not just to get paid more at my current job. It's not just to get a higher paying job either (although that is eventually part of the plan). The main purpose is to gain credibility in science in order to speak to teachers and parents about why science education is important, and how to teach the controversial topics we have to teach in public school without setting stumbling blocks before our kids. There are many authors who've written that the first time they ever doubted their faith was in a 9th grade biology classroom. Graduate students of science (myself included) face consequences for "allowing faith to cloud our judgment." While I haven't personally experienced it, I know it's out there. I never thought I'd be called to apologetics, but I find myself faced with the fact that God is pulling me in that direction.

So while I've been working hard at maintaining my GPA and checking one more class off the list, I seem to have been neglecting two things: Bible study, and sleep!

From my devotional again: "While we may be able to multitask like the best superwoman, it takes a toll on us. We must give our bodies the rest they need and deserve. Do you want to enjoy everything God created for you? God created rest. Take a break."

And so today, I am resting, reading my Bible, and doing laundry. Ha! :)


Devotional from "Take my Heart, Oh God" by Sarah Young