Where To Find Much Needed Rest For The Weary

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Dear Kids:

Tired people populate our world. This fact is not the byproduct of sleep deprivation only, though there is a lot of that going on. We are a culture of driven individuals who constantly strive to get more and be better. Our frantic activity requires a lot of effort and the results take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. We orchestrate every minute of the day to produce and often push our children and ourselves to the breaking point. This shows in a myriad of ways especially when our routine is interrupted.

A Stressful Winter and Spring

I recognized the signs of my own stressful overload the other day. Spring is usually a hectic season for us, but this year the frenzy raised a notch because of our winter disaster. The frigid temperatures of January created havoc when a frozen pipe burst in the kitchen. We arrived home to a waterfall pouring from the ceiling, and since then have been surviving a big muddle of contractors, dust, plastic, piles of stuff, and more as we work on the unplanned kitchen remodel.

Early I prided myself on my patience and good attitude with the disaster. I pushed myself harder to accomplish all the usual daily requirements despite our crowded, disorganized home and unusable kitchen until one day the truth of my stress became evident. While racing around trying to finish my tasks I experienced an out-of-the-ordinary response to a broken toilet stopper flap. My mad dash was delayed as I waited for the tank to fill and I screeched at the toilet, “I don’t have time for this!” My emotional outburst shocked me and the tirade at the toilet emitted a huge red light! Maybe I wasn’t as calm and collected as I thought!

Jesus Invites the Weary to Receive Rest

Jesus understood that life in a sin-ridden world would tax all of creation. Humans especially carry many burdens brought on by our sinful nature. Even the drive to be and do and the busyness that comes along with that is a by-product of living in a fallen world. We arrange our priorities to accommodate our selfish desires and often neglect the only One Who can give real rest and peace.

Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy-laden to partake of the respite of His salvation. Those who are overwhelmed with guilt and despair may come. Mourners may appeal to Him for comfort. The sick and bedridden can look to Him for relief. Those with a busy schedule will find a way to reorganize their priorities. And those with an unplanned kitchen remodel and broken toilet stopper will find the stability of mind to deal with unplanned delays and concerns.

To all those who are burdened and weary, hear the comforting words of Jesus, “Come to me, my child, and I will give you rest!”

Love,
Mama