Viajera Rubia: sunday of rest

The other night when I was falling asleep, the words of Philippians 4:6&7 were running through my mind for some reason like someone was whispering them to me..."and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I kept trying to focus on every word as sleep took over...

The next morning, I woke up for my history class, thinking of the research my professor asked us to do...that I sort of forgot to do. Frustrated with myself for putting it off and then forgetting to do it. But, I thought, all I can do now is just go to class. Then, I thought of Philippians 4, and I remembered the first part of verses 6&7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God..." Not feeling like I deserved any form of peace since it was my fault for procrastinating, I had to try really hard to believe the Truth in this scripture. School has always been a big source of stress for me, and a lot of times I let it consume me.

But, here in Chile, when I feel the salty ocean air on my face, I feel like I am shedding burdens, habits that I've adopted that are like sand paper to my soul. I'm letting go, resting, giving up. Most of the time I'm so proud, and I assume that I can control things. But I've never been the one in control. He is. He always has been and always will be.

When my professor walked in the door, the first thing he said was that we were going to end class early because he forgot about a previous engagement. It turns out that it was the hundred-and-something birthday of the History Institute, and the institute was holding a mass and a cocktail to celebrate it. So, we would not have time to focus on our research results. And, by the way, we were invited.

God always does things that I don't expect, and blesses me when I don't deserve it.

Our class of five went to the mass held a big room at the institute. I thought as I stood there that I'm not sure if I've been to Catholic mass before. If I have, I can't recall at this moment. The priest opened with a prayer then smiled and admitted he had forgotten that he was suppose to do this, so he hadn't prepared anything. His admission made the whole room seem warm, genuine and real. I could feel God's presence all around me. I smiled and thought, I love Chile. So I guess even priests, forget, procrastinate, and are unprepared.

Then we went to the cocktail where there was wine, jugo (juice), café, té, little hors d'oeuvres and best of all a multi-layered chocolate cake jam and manjar (dulce de leche) in between. mmm, I sipped some juice and waited on the cake. And, it was worth every bite.

....

Rest. Everyday, I am learning, rest, rest rest. I went running on Saturday morning despite the drizzling rain outside. With every step, my mind relaxes, and my thoughts unwind. I loved the cold mist on my face, waking me up and unclouding all my thoughts.
I slowed to a walk as a I passed a church on my route. I read the scripture above the door that I had never noticed before.

"Venid a mí, todos los que estáis cansados y cargados, y yo os haré descansar." Mateo 11:28 ("Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.")
I let out a deep breath and I felt rest and comfort like someone was holding me.

I spent the rest of the cloudy day with my guatero at my feet, drinking tea, and reading. It feels like for so long I've been cracked, dry and running on fumes. Like I've been trying so hard and using up all of my reserves.
When the sun began to peak through the clouds, I went to Viña to meet Sara and Desiree. We sat on the rocks by the beach and watched the waves crash in. I felt the sun on my face, closed my eyes, and listened to the waves.

Sara hanging out on the rocks...

We headed back to Valpo because my family has been wanting to meet my friends. So, I invited Sara and Desiree to once.

The pastelita (a little cake) we picked up on the way. :)

...laughing, once, tea, family, friends...rest for the soul.

This morning, I felt thirsty for the Word. I walked to a café in my green leg warmers and drank green tea. (psst, listen>>) Cracked and dry, on hands and knees, I worshiped our Father on this day of rest.

....

random pics:

studying with Regina