Putting my car in park, I continue to think about the mountain of tasks on my to do list for the day. The thoughts continuously run through my mind. The work doesn’t end. Thankful for the work.
Unlocking the door, turning on lights, placing bags from shoulders to their resting place for the day. Pulling the contents for work out from the black bag to desk. Opening the black leather portfolio with pending items waiting for me to tackle. Back to bag for glasses, phone, ear buds, lunch to refrigerator, water bottle on desk. Monitors on, calculator on, login to computer. Open email.
Each day has a different number of messages sitting in the inbox. It is my to do list. Always hoping to empty it by the end of the day, understanding it is rare that happens. Selecting the first thing to tackle, sitting on the edge of my chair with hands on keyboard, my legs start bouncing.
I have had a desk job for over thirty-five years. The desks have changed but my habit of shaking my legs hasn’t. They bounce as I focus on whatever needs my brain power at the moment. From simple (mostly) to more complex. They bounce. They do seem to bounce more during mundane tasks.
Every now and then I try to stop bouncing them. Place an earbud in my ear with praise music to share my attention. An occasional interruption breaks up the day; calls, texts, visitors.
The bouncing always returns.
Do my bouncing, restless legs indicate my impatience? The need to move an outward expression of boredom or anxiousness? Not satisfied with just sitting in one place tackling the tasks on my computer and desk. It is my chosen career. Crunching numbers, organizing data, answering questions.
As Jesus sits, waiting, I picture Him still. At times, leaning forward slightly. Never with restless legs.
I picture His feet flat on the floor, strong support, waiting to jump from that seat to come get His sheep. Not bouncing His legs and tapping His fingers on the arms of His chair. Sitting, actively engaged in the waiting, but calmly watching and listening and interceding on behalf of those sheep. His heart and mind heavily engaged in each one, desperate for them to seek Him. Patient. Peaceful. Calm. Restful, not restless. But also, ready to go.
Where are you? Do you bounce your legs? Do you tap your fingers? Does the person in front of you at the traffic light cause your blood pressure to rise when the light turns green and sits there?
Just that last question might raise your blood pressure. If it does, just breathe. Take some time to stop everything and rest in Him. Look at His posture as a welcoming Savior wanting your attention. And give it to Him.
And stop shaking your legs.
