Matthew 11
Welcome CHOSEN and LOVED by God! I know I have been absent for a bit. I wonder, what I was thinking when I chose during the holidays to begin a book of the Bible. I am working on being intentional and in the last couple of weeks, I have spent some time talking and visiting with friends who needed an ear to listen. I have had my grandson for a few days and visited twice. I spent a week off with my husband and celebrated 26 years of marriage. This post has been on my computer since the beginning of December waiting to finish. It is okay, we are going to finish today.
Oh, how I love spending time with my grandson. Seeing the world through the eyes of a three-year-old is amazing. He is fascinated by everything. He loves to break out into a dance party at a moment’s notice. He will start singing at the top of his lungs and sometimes Gramma gets to join in with him, sometimes only Bah, my husband, gets to sing with him. Spending time with him I recognize that is why Jesus talks about us and children often. My grandson doesn’t have many worries at all. He trusts that he will be taken care of at all times. He laughs at a moment’s notice and most of all he loves with his whole heart. I think, sometimes, I need to pay more attention to the ways of children.
Matthew 11:28-30 “28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Most children do not walk heavily laden because they know they will be taken care of. When they are hurt or sad they go immediately to their Daddy and Mama to comfort them and they are on their way. Most children do not try to carry their hurts and afflictions on their own. They know their “comforter.” So many of us do not know ours. We carry the burden when Jesus tells us to give it to Him. I know I do many times. I think I have this. In theory, I know my first response should be, “Jesus, take this.” I will say I am getting better.
Children play hard and they rest even harder. They will take a nap on the floor if needed. When their bodies need rest they rest. In this season, I wonder how many of us are pushing our limits to do rather than taking time to just be. Jesus says, His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He doesn’t say, Just one more thing added to this list will make Christmas perfect. Where are you in all of this? Me? I am somewhere in the middle. Jesus, help us to be rather than to do.