Have you seen the newest Disney movie Encanto? Or listened to their music? The movie chronicles the Madrigals family living in a charmed place in Columbia called Encanto. Each family member has a unique gift that is showcased humorously throughout the movie. One such character is Luisa. She’s the strongest and most reliable family member. She has a very catchy song that we’ve listened to approximately 5,000 times (ok maybe it’s been more like 20+ times 😊). Her song expresses how on the outside she looks as though she’s strong and can handle anything. The truth is that under the surface, she struggles with the pressure to continue to carry it all, to find her worth outside of her talent and to live up to her expectation.
As catchy as the song is, I must admit, I relate to those lyrics. For instance, can anyone else relate to this?
It all seems like a lot. I often tell myself that it’s fine and I can handle it all, but like the lyrics of Luisa’s song Surface Pressure:
But wait If I could shake the crushing weight of expectations Would that free some room up for joy Or relaxation, or simple pleasure?
I’ve got to find the balance and allow myself some breathing room at times. It’s often expectations that I’ve placed on myself that I need to let go of. I’m reminded in Genesis 2:3, “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all of his work that he had done in creation” which later in scripture God in His loving kindness made it a command to, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).
What message does it send me that the God of the universe rested? And that He loves me enough to know that I need a day of rest each week? A day to focus on God, to undo all the stress from the week and refill my tank. A wise woman once told me that even Jesus himself went off to be alone, to pray and to fill His own tank during His ministry on earth. Even though I’ve made it a habit to keep my calendar clear on Sunday’s, it’s still an effort to make sure that my to-do list doesn’t creep in and try to steal the joy from the day.
So how about you? Do you recognize any surface pressure within yourself? When’s the last time that you allowed yourself a day of rest? I know it can sound indulgent to set this time aside, but I hope you see the value in it for yourself and how your Heavenly Father sees it for you. I’m sure if God had the chance to respond to Luisa’s song, He would remind her that life is not solely her burden to carry. That He wants to carry the load with and for her. I’m sure He’d remind her of her infinite worth in her identify in Him alone, not just in her talents. I think He would remind her that she was never meant to be perfect and that she’s deserving of rest.
Link to the song in the event you’ve not had the joy of listening to it yet:
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