I decided to call this painting “Winter Rest” to remind us to carve out time for much-needed rejuvenation for our soul and body. The reason we can often find ourselves too busy with too many things to handle is because we take on more than we should. And the reason why we may say yes to more things than we can sustainably do is often rooted in the underlying belief that it’s our activity that makes us worthy.
But as followers of Jesus, it’s important to remind ourselves where our identity truly lies. It is in being beloved children of God. And no matter how much or little we do, God is going to love us just the same.
We can stop striving and trying to prove ourselves to be enough. We don’t have to do something to become worthy or to matter. The world says that it’s what we do that defines us, but God says it’s what Jesus has done that defines us. And as we accept His gift of forgiveness, restoration, and salvation, we can finally begin to accept ourselves.
Jesus invites us into rest with Him. Free of striving. Full of peace. Not just peace with God, but also with ourselves.
This winter we can sit by the window with our Bible or a journal and soak in His grace. Apart from God no matter how successful we get in life, it’s not going to feel like we have accomplished enough. But with God, even if we don’t do much with our life, we are still His dearly beloved children.
That is not to say that we should not attempt to be successful. In fact, it is God’s desire for us to mature and grow and serve Him with our talents. But His design for Christian life is not that of striving and having something to prove, but rather that of living in His rhythms of grace.
Even if we never reach “success” as defined by worldly standards such as fame or riches, just the fact that we use our talents, improve in them, and bless others around us with them is already enough. If God accepts us regardless of our accomplishments in life, we should also accept ourselves.
It’s up to God, if He chooses to promote us, our job is to be faithful with what He has given us now.
You can watch the time-lapse of this painting here:
