The melody of life . . . sometimes a vibrant, uplifting, pleasant score but all too often (to our human liking) a discordant tune or even an oppressive dirge.

2024 was for me largely a time of unharmonious, bleak, and tumultuous tunes. In late-October, though, the melody began to change, and I decided to take a month-long break from social media and writing to focus on moving forward.

The first week of November, I opened a new journal and began to spend more chatting with God and reading and meditating on His Word.

In December, just when I was planning to return to writing and to social media, I began to experience a (for me, at least) fairly significant health issue. It escalated quickly, to the point that for the first time in my life, the physical act of writing/typing was often beyond my capability.

Fortunately, the culprit has been identified and addressed; unfortunately, it may take weeks or even months for my body to get back to normal. And that brings me to today, when I woke up this morning feeling frustrated at the limitations I still face. I opened my devotional (“Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman) and read:

    God sends us times of forced leisure by allowing sickness, disappointed plans, and frustrated efforts . . . We grieve that our part is missing in the music that continually rises to the ear of our Creator. Yet how does a musician read the rest? He counts the break with unwavering precision and plays his next note with confidence, as if no pause were ever there . . . Our part is to learn the tune and not be discouraged during the rests. (John Ruskin)

I have no idea, of course, what melody you’re hearing right now. Perhaps you’re “rocking out” to your favorite tunes, living your best life. Enjoy every moment, every note.

But if you aren’t . . . if the notes around you are discordant or bleak . . . turn to the One who is the Creator and the Source of rest and truth.

Treat yourself kindly. Rest without guilt.

Incorporate into your life activities that rejuvenate you — read a beloved book or watch a favorite movie, take a nap, enjoy daily afternoon tea, snuggle with a loved one, go for a leisurely walk every day . . .

Rest, but at the same time be alert to the truths — the lessons — this time of rest can offer you.

I love this sweatshirt, found on Etsy (TheVelvetEmbroidery shop)!