The Power of Rest

I have found it helpful over the years to pay attention to what Jesus says to people. Often I will turn to his words and use them to guide my meditation experience. When I was younger, I often felt I needed someone to tell me what Jesus meant. But the older I get, the more helpful it seems for me to just sit and listen to what he said.

Here is one of my favorites:

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 NIV

Some days I do not make it past his first sentence.

Come to me…

He invites me to move toward him. I close my eyes and imagine myself moving into a room where Jesus is teaching. I scootch up close - I am at heart a gal who likes a front row seat.

All you who are weary and burdened…

Ahhhhhh….my tribe. He did not invite the satisfied, although I am sure they would be welcome! He specifically called out the weary and burdened. I close my eyes and imagine his eyes gazing on me - weary and burdened. I am burdened, like little Tiger Tiger with many insecurities. Still, I am welcomed into his presence.

I will give you rest.

Oh, ok. You will give me rest. Something I often withhold from myself. Jesus is doing for me that which I cannot give myself permission to do. He’s also teaching me that rest is important. None of this “the early bird gets the worm” philosophy! Just come. Have a seat. Take a load off. Rest.

This is what Jesus said. May it be so. Amen.