“‘Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'”
– Matthew 11:28
Next week, I’m going on a much-needed vacation. Right now, I am operating as a single mom with three teenage boys, leaning into my “team” of women (mostly) for love, support and encouragement at a very trying time in my life. As such, my schedule is rather demanding, as are the kids at times — add to this a brand-new part-time job I have officially started as a tutor, and I have plenty to occupy me! There are moments and days that are slower or busier than others, and I appreciate both because of what the dichotomy has to offer me. I often need the heavier-to-do-list days to keep me focused and in work mode, a much-needed mindset when juggling the many hats I wear. But the days with lighter loads to bear give me space and time to draw out the tempo a bit, extending those moments into stretches of time where obligation and duty are not circumscribing my day.
But now, it’s time to rest. Just as God gave us six days to work and one to rest from our labors, so I am taking several days to close my computer, put down my calendar, and breathe. Jesus offers us true spiritual rest from our anxieties and burdens when he invites us to take refuge in Him.
While I am relaxing and taking time away from my blog, I want to remind you that the Lord is our shepherd (Psalm 23:1), and He sees us as His lambs. He does more than just lead us with his staff. He “gathers (us) in his arms and carries (us) close to his heart” (Isaiah 40:11). This is a beautiful picture of how God loves us so much — He literally carries us, allowing us to rest fully in his fatherly embrace.
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Prayer: Lord, I thank you that You are my shepherd, and that You are all I need. I am grateful that as I walk alongside You as your little lamb, that You are more than willing and exceedingly able to carry me as far as I need to go. I pray that You would remember how hard my life is, and offer to carry me as much as possible, like a tired child with their able-bodied father. Please grant me wisdom in knowing when to work and when to rest. Help me to remember the one thing that is needful (Luke 10:42), and to never lose sight of You, especially when life bears down on me. Your will be done, Amen.
