Picnic with God: A May Guide to Resting in Christ

Table in the Desert:  A May Guide to Resting in Christ

Let's take a moment to be honest with ourselves.  Most of us live in high gear...speeding down the roadway of life.  Our mantra is work harder, grind longer, sleep less, earn more and prove our worth! Exhaustion is worn like a badge of honor.  We even feel guilty when we aren't working or doing.  But God's ways are different.  He doesn't call us to work harder...He calls us to abide deeper.  In the beginning, and I mean the beginning of our existence, God created the heaves and the earth.  He created for 6 days and on the 7th He rested.  He did not need to rest....I mean He is God.  But, He created a rhythm that has been meant for us to follow.   And if only we would just stop and pay attention to God's perfect ways we would not have the issues we so bring upon ourselves.  And by the way, just a reminder, we are not God...we are not in charge of holding our world together....and we are not holding our family, company, or friends together.  When we decide to let go, abide in Christ, make the choice to rest, we say "I trust you, Lord!"  Yes, we work because that is God's way but we also are to rest.  We need to take time to thank our Lord, to enjoy beauty, silence...and to restore.   And it is ok to not be producing something all the time.  In rest is restoration.  And in restoration we find God-over and over, again and again.  Believe me, I am so  guilty of it all....the not being able to be still, the feeling of guilt for not doing more.  But, God is working on me.  This May I challenge you all to take time to stop and smell the flowers, turn off the noise, enjoy a picnic and reclaim your peace for your body and soul.  

So how bout we get that picnic going?  Spending time outdoors in nature experiencing a good old fashioned picnic is an excellent way to create space...with silence and beauty, and it is a perfect way to allow ourselves to hear the Lord's voice.  It can be a wonderful devotional time where you can thank God for the time, the space, the beauty, the sky, the trees, the blossoms, the everything around you.  We can pray, do a Bible Study, journal or even add some extra fun.  

Here in the Sonoran Desert we are blessed to live in one of the most vibrant and unique deserts in the entire world.  And this May the desert is very much alive and blooming through warm sunny days and cool evenings...it is the beginning of summer here.  This is definitely the perfect time to enjoy wildflowers, cactus blooms and outdoor activities like strolling through one of the beautiful desert parks, taking a boat ride on the lake or hiking one of the many trails before the heat sets in.  It is important, though, to remember to stay hydrated.  This is more important than you may realize.  Freeze some bottled waters and place them in a pack to keep things cool.  

One thing I noticed this year is the purple tree in our apt complex courtyard has been exceptionally beautiful and the blooms have lasted much longer than usual...even my aloe plants have experienced long-living blooms.  Mornings have been quite serene and the birds have been happy in song.  The month of May is always a wonderful time to explore somewhere new before the actual summer arrives...to find time to slow down, rest and be in thanksgiving.  Arizona is filled with beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to unwind, enjoy God's creation and spend time with Him.  

So what makes a picnic special?  And how can we offer ourselves as a fragrant sacrifice of praise and peace with our picnic event?  I would say that first of all, whether planning a solo picnic or one with others, schedule your time to experience a peaceful early morning or a late afternoon sunset so as to avoid the hottest part of the day.  Keep it simple.  Preparation is key as you want it to be an enjoyable experience.  Here are a few tips to think about when setting up your excursion. 

Focus on comfort, easy-to eat food and thoughtful preparation.  Choose a scenic, shady spot, use a water-resistant blanket plus an additional blanket, pack food in a sturdy container (like a picnic bag or basket).  Then remember to bring extras for cozy comfort like small pillows.  Sometimes it is nice to be next to a picnic table but it isn't necessary   A couple wooden trays help to keep items stable. If a shade tree is not available have an umbrella that can be set up.  Keep the menu simple by focusing on finger foods that don't need reheating, such as charcuterie (meats and cheese), crackers, baguettes, premade wraps or mini sandwiches, even PB & J works. 

Include easy to serve salads in individual jars, precut fruit, berries and grapes.  And a very yummy treat to make and bring is Lavender infused honey!  (Recipe at the end, below) Bring along cookies like perhaps some lavender-lemon cookies, brownies, or Pockys candy for a treat.  

Pack iced tea, sparkling water or fruit infused lemonade type drinks in a well-iced container. 

A wooden cutting board or two with a knife can be very useful.  I love including lanterns and flowers like baby's breath, daisies, or tulips to add a bit of ambiance. 

I might bring a battery powered set of fairy lights and some fresh or dried lavender bundles tied with twine.

To avoid bugs or ants, keep food covered and consider bringing a bug spray or a small Thermacell repellant. Bring a small dedicated bag for trash.  I also decorate with garlands, cute vintage linen napkins and mismatched china plates. 

If you think you would be more comfortable in a lawn chair, bring a couple.  And don't forget the wet wipes as they can come in handy.  One thing I would suggest as a must is a small first aid kit that you keep in your vehicle always cuz you just never know.  I include the basic kit, plus wipes, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, rose water spray, tissues, bandanas, advil or similar.

I also would suggest adding a few rocks (stones) to keep in your car as they can be used to hold down blankets, etc if the wind picks up.  With a well prepared arsenal, life can be pretty amazing.  And it doesn't matter of your picnic is on the beach, in the woods, at the lake, in the mountains, or in your yard, you can have an amazing time with a little prep.  

 

Now, for the important things....you can just go with your willing spirit and spend time in quiet reflection or you may want to bring your Bible, study materials, journals, pens, and markers.

 I like to make a day of it so I also bring an art supply kit that includes sketch books, adult coloring books, especially those with Bible verses and artwork to color.  I bring pencils for drawing, gel markers, or even paints and brushes.  Besides my Bible I may want to read one of my fav vintage books or flip through a magazine. Make sure to wear something comfortable and I would say even have layers in case of weather changes.  I always wear a hat for sun protection.

 

Flowy clothing that is light weight and make sure you have shoes you can be comfortable in, especially if you decide to take a little walk.  I like to wear something special to a picnic, not because of anything except it is a special time to be able to enjoy the outdoors in a prayerful sense of joy.  

So let's talk about the idea of the theology of rest, as part of becoming the fragrance of Christ.  It means we are simplifying life by trusting in Christ's finished work rather than self striving.  This "fragrant rest" emanates from a place of secure identity, allowing us, as believers, to offer a sweet aroma of peace and grace to the world rather than the stench of anxious, exhausted effort.  

In 2 Corinthians 2:15 the word says,  "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."  Being the aroma of Christ is not about the strive but about presence.  Jesus, Himself, carried the "fragrance of rest" because He knew His identity in the Father and Christians are called to walk in this same confidence rather than running on the "hamster wheel".  We believers need to stop striving and rest in God's completed work so our lives become a pleasant offering, a "fragrant" sacrifice of praise and peace.  A life characterized by this rest becomes a "life giving perfume" to others.  

As I have written before, lavender is symbolically regarded as a fragrance of Christ, often associated with the Biblical "spikenard" used to anoint Jesus,  It represents sacrifice, purity, and devotion.  Lavender's soothing scent and purple color also signify Christ's healing nature, royalty, and calming peace.  The purple color of lavender signifies the royalty and divinity of Jesus as King of Kings. 

Lavender's reputation for healing and tranquility reflect Jesus's role as a restorer and healer, providing peace in times of trouble.  Just as lavender leaves a lasting scent, Christians are called to leave the "fragrance" of Christ-love and kindness-wherever we go.  In Arizona, the months of May and June are when lavender is in full bloom, especially the lower region of Arizona.  It is a great time to visit farms for the early blooms or to see the native desert lavender.  How perfect would it be to walk amongst the lavender fields and think on the "fragrance of Christ"!

I would even suggest enjoying your May picnic in the fields of lavender to experience fully some beautiful blessings of God.  May God bless you as you continue your journey of becoming the fragrance of Christ.  

 

Recipes

 

Lavender-infused Honey:

1 cup dried culinary lavender buds

2 cups water

2 cups honey

In a saucepan, heat water over medium heat.  Add dried lavender buds.  Bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes.  Add 2 cups honey and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Pour over a fine sieve into a bowl.  Discard lavender.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.