Rachel Whisman

Silence hums softly as I scan the ice-covered road. No way out, but locked in. This past weekend, parts of Texas were overtaken by a little winter storm, my home included. Plans, commitments, and expectations melt away as the sleet makes its claim. Being forced to stay home doesn’t feel intolerable; rather, it feels inviting and welcoming. Inside, fresh-brewed coffee awakens my senses to the day as solitude is invited to stay. 

A mental weight has been taken off as I have gotten “to be” rather than taken up with things “to do”. The limits afford time for creativity in the kitchen as my hands eagerly stretch and fold dough. I linger longer with my neighbor as we watch athleticism at its highest in the “Down Under”. Tennis players slide cross-court, making wicked returns with backhand slices. Nestling into my couch with my Kindle in hand, I traverse into another world as characters unfold with a quest in their midst. 

The past few days have been restful rather than rushed. Work and rest are mutually beneficial. It has reminded me that limits are good and Godly. We see this beauty in the boundaries of the garden as Adam curated a list of names for all of the animals that roamed the earth (Gen. 2:19). The Church, as it has specific roles and actions to submit to Jesus, and as Christ submits to God (Eph. 5:23-24). When we look to Christ, we see he limited himself by taking on the form of a human to become like us in all respects (Heb. 2:17). His time on earth was not in competition with anyone else. 

Just as he was on earth, so now is he in heaven. In complete control over it all. The contentment in the confines of our boundaries here is also a foretaste of the eternal reality we will experience in heaven. As our hearts are only satisfied by Jesus here, so too within the bounds of only him there. 

Outside, I eye a snow flurry as it lands gently on the ground. Alone, it is fragile and seemingly insignificant, but when teamed together, it has fortified, impeded, and forced my hand to slow down. This evening, another dessert was baked to savor, as well as another laugh giggled through time spent with my neighbors. Praise the Lord that he gives us these simple moments to enjoy in the confines of a home on a snowy day.

Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20