“Wow, it’s been an action packed day of running with my friends, chasing balls and I’m tired.  That shade sure looks good for a rest.  Should I leave the action?  What will I miss?”

Gracie Jo chooses to obey Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands…”  and she rested in the shade.

What about our choice to rest?

Does your self-talk sound like mine….”if I finish my endless ‘to do’ list then I can sit down and catch my breath…”  But we add just one, two, three more things to the list and before we know it, the day is ending and the opportunity to rest has passed.  Hebrews 4:1 continues “…let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it (rest).”

Are we the “none of you” falling short of entering his rest?

If a dog who loves to play can rest, can’t we make it a priority in our day?  What would it look like to add “rest” to your daily ‘to do’ list?  How might that rest impact your day in positive ways?  Perhaps we begin like Gracie Jo…finding a shady spot and taking a break.  I don’t know about you…..but I see a shady spot calling my name!

Lord, you created us with a need for rest.  Help us make rest a priority to catch our breath and be renewed in your presence.  Amen.

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Gracie Jo is showing us God’s love and grace.  A special “thank you” to Brenna and Kenzie McCarthy at Dawg Dayz Retreat (www.tlcbybrenna.com) for their wonderful care and training of Gracie Jo, as well as the inspiring photos for “Puppy Love”.  Stay tuned for more “Puppy Love” articles coming soon!

Polly is a pastor’s wife and serves as a ministry partner with her husband Rev. Dr. William Green at First United Methodist Church – Cary, Cary, NC.  Her priorities are daughter of the King, wife to William and mom to Gracie Jo.  She also provides marketing consulting services to several service oriented firms and individuals.  You can reach Polly at [email protected].