What Can I Do?

John Mark Comer begins his seminal work with the words, "It's a Sunday night..."1 What follows is a striking portrayal of a hurried life—or, to put it differently, a life consumed by what one saint calls "busyness and muchness."2

Sound familiar?

"I love the waning hours before the workweek," said no one ever.

It's Sunday night for me, too.

Just like Comer, I'm exhausted.

I've been on a three-year journey with the idea of a deep life with God. The problem? It's still just that—an idea.

I wrestle with the disconnect between my orthodoxy (belief) and orthopraxy (practice).

Shortly after, you know... grappling with all that is wrong with me and the world... I call my parents.

"How do I change?" I asked.

My mom chimes in, "You want to join us at the Country Music Hall of Fame this weekend?" (Of course! Even though I hate country music, Whitley and I love free food... and my parents.)

Then my dad responds with a simple yet profound reframe, as only he can: "Ask, what can I do?"

I brush off his response and we get off the phone.

Beep.

As I process our conversation, the question sits with my soul, ringing in my head, "What can I do?"

This past year has been filled with chaos and conflict, yet he has the audacity to tell me to see the bright side. To look for opportunities to grow rather than run. To set aside my work when I'm with Whitley or resting. To be with the Father, Son, and Spirit in the everyday. Who does he think he is?

A sage, that's who.

He's right.

All I can do is all I can do, and that's all God wants me to do.

If you don’t believe me, believe Jesus:

Matthew 11v28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

So, as I write down these thoughts, I want to do what I can do, which is rest in God's loving presence.

If you're with me, accept Jesus' invitation to rest in Him. To do right by Him and others. To slow down to His pace. To see work as cultivating rather than accomplishing. To forgive.

Are you ready, like me, to take your next steps in Jesus?