One morning a few weeks ago, I was busy with a list of tasks to complete for my daughter, work, household, and even the dog. I felt so busy that I didn’t even have time to write down the list (anyone else been there?). In an effort to cross one more thing off my mental “to-do” list, I stopped at a local store, jumped out of my car, locked it, and immediately realized I had locked my keys inside (ugh!!). In that moment my stress level almost quadrupled, until … I called a friend who prayed for me to have peace.
While I was in the store waiting for the locksmith, walking around and talking with employees, the Lord brought to mind a passage from Matthew 11:
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’”
– v. 28-30, NLT
On that day, when my circumstances slowed me down for just an hour, I was reminded of the value in resting, putting down the long checklist, and noticing the people around me.
What about you? Are you crumbling under the list of tasks in your head like I was? I encourage you today to make an effort to pause and find a way to rest: take a walk and pray, spend time in God’s presence, call a friend for prayer, be intentional to notice the people around you, and be reminded of God’s promise to give us rest for our souls.
Sarah LeBlanc
Great Lakes Field Director
September 7, 2016 [printfriendly]