Soaking

(photo credit)


I slide down into the warm water slowly, deliberately breathing in the steam that is beginning to rise.
I allow only my fingertips to move, gently dancing across the water.

This soak is not for cleaning nor for pleasure.
It is for purpose.

My heart has been heavy with burdens.
Burdens I was never intended to carry and I know the weight is too much to bear any longer.
I must let them go.

It's never an easy process though is it - this business of letting go.  

Breathing in, breathing out, a steady rhythm as I close my eyes to avoid any distraction that may interrupt.  
I tell God I am ready.  

Ready to acknowledge that it is Him on the Throne and not me.  
Ready to take off the heavy pack I have been wearing and all the contents inside.  
Ready to lay my burdens down.  
Ready for the peace this laying down will bring.


One by one, burden by burden, I place each at the foot of the Cross.
It is here I will leave them all.

I pray I don't return to retrieve any.


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."  Psalm 68:19


Rest and peace and praise.
Yes.

(photo credit)

I soak in the rest.  I soak in the peace.  I whisper the praise.  
And as the water drains I am whole.

I am free.

           

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11 comments

  1. Beautiful, Mindy.This is where I speak with God, soaking in my bath. It's a place where no one interrupts and there are only the two of you - once you let go of the day's clutter. Very healing.

    Diana

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  2. Sweet Mindy, what a precious post...a post I needed to read right at this moment. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share because it was truly a blessing and encouragement.

    How are you, my friend? I think of you often and lift you up in prayer. ENjoy the week! Love and hugs to you!

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  3. Mindy, your words here are so beautiful and peaceful. You know that I am no stranger to heavy burdens and I must to admit, I have never tried "soaking in the peace of God" in this manner. I love the whole idea of it though...visualizing myself as a sponge, soaking up all the peace and comfort God has to offer, and crowding out anything that is not of Him. Thank you for sharing this. Praying for peace in the midst of the storm, my friend. Much love and hugs!

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  4. What a wonderful example to all of us - letting go the heavy, heavy pack and breathing in peace. Thank you!

    This reminds me of the song Unpack Your Heart by Phil Phillips. I wonder if you know it...?

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  5. Beautiful, Mindy. Simply beautiful. Thanks for sharing your peace.

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  6. Bless your heart, dear Mindy.
    I appreciated your tender heart as you shared with us your heaviness and how you proceeded to let it go and rest in the Lord.Such a peaceful post.
    In the past when I have had some heavy burdens I purposefully went to the foot of the cross and visualized myself laying that burden in the arms of Jesus, and telling Him that I could not bear it any longer, and I was trusting Him to take care of it. I told my Savior that when I walked away I would NOT take it back. For me, visualizing was what helped, and I never took it back.
    We are to do the trusting and He is to do the work.
    May your heart be blessed~~
    Debbie

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  7. Bless your heart, dear Mindy.
    I appreciated your tender heart as you shared with us your heaviness and how you proceeded to let it go and rest in the Lord.Such a peaceful post.
    In the past when I have had some heavy burdens I purposefully went to the foot of the cross and visualized myself laying that burden in the arms of Jesus, and telling Him that I could not bear it any longer, and I was trusting Him to take care of it. I told my Savior that when I walked away I would NOT take it back. For me, visualizing was what helped, and I never took it back.
    We are to do the trusting and He is to do the work.
    May your heart be blessed~~
    Debbie

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  8. Oh my, Mindy, reading this took my breath away. Your courage in writing this, the beauty in the words you chose, the sheer power of your thoughts and faith are very moving.
    Thank you! Thank you for opening all of our hearts.

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  9. A big hug for you, Mindy, in case you need one.
    Amalia
    xo

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  10. Hi Mindy! Your words here are as peaceful as the tub of water. I am so sorry about your burdens! I hope you were able to leave them in that water, it sounds like you could. Remember, if you feel that strain coming back, just hop right back in. You have a wonderful family and friends who will also help you carry your load.

    You know I'll be praying for you, although this was written a while ago. Things might be much better today.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  11. So beautiful.

    The words were like bubbles....floating and swirling!

    Thank you for sharing your heart.
    karianne

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