Pastor’s Ponderings…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

A young mother was describing a terrible day she had experienced. The washing machine broke down, the telephone kept ringing, her head ached, and the mail carrier brought a bill she had no money to pay. Almost to the breaking point, she lifted her one-year-old into his highchair, leaned her head against the tray, and began to cry. Without a word, her son took his pacifier out of his mouth and stuck it in hers. LOL

Does this sound like a familiar story? I am sure it does and that is a problem. Some days, weeks and even seasons seem to never end. But today Jesus is saying: Come to me all of you who cannot cope, come to a place of Sabbath with me... This is not just a day but a state of being – ‘rest for our souls’.

In 1863, the Civil War was raging and the end was far from sight. Abraham Lincoln was out for a ride with his friend and aide Noah Brooks. Brooks, noticing the president’s obvious fatigue, suggested that he take a brief rest when they got back to the White House. “A rest,” Lincoln replied, “I don’t know about a rest. I suppose it’s good for the body, but the tired part of me is inside and out of reach.”

There is not a tired part of any of us that is out of the reach of Jesus’ calm assurance. This is exactly what Jesus is talking about. It isn’t only taking a nap and resting our bodies but it is resting our souls.

Let me ask you, “What is it that truly gives you a lift? What is it that gives you joy? What is it that refreshes and renews you?” I want you to think about it and if you are not sure, let me make a suggestion. At the end of each day, briefly go over your day and note the places that were truly enjoyable – where were you or what were you doing that you felt removed from any stress, any worries or fears? Do this everyday until you see a pattern of places where you are rested and relaxed and remind yourself that Jesus wants this for you – this place of rest. It is one of the ways we experience a Sabbath.

This summer Team Spirit wants to help each one of you experience Sabbath. We will provide you with ideas and exercises that will suit your unique style and personality. Not everyone likes to exercise and not everyone likes to read but everyone gets connected to God in their own special way.

Finding a Sabbath time helps us care for ourselves. It is a time when our inner sanctuary finds true rest. Read the scriptures, Jesus always takes time for a Sabbath. He knows that he needs it and we need it, too.

In the Lord’s love and joy,
Pastor Janet

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