Wearyness of Summer

Most of us are in the full swing of summer and I don’t know about you but my life feels just as busy as the rest of the year, maybe even more so. I just finished a vacation last week with a road trip from Billings, MT to Peoria, IL and back with many stops, fill ups, construction, hotels and everything in between. It was more than 36 hours on the road and we covered 7 states with 12 people in our party. Do you feel tired just reading this?

Many times I look forward to vacation to bring me rest and relaxation, a solace for my soul and a different change of pace. Whether my vacation is full of activity and hours on the road or a bit more outwardly relaxing it never quite quenches my thirst and leaves me wanting for more. This will always be true because I am often looking for rest and peace in the wrong place. This world and all of its vacations can’t bring me rest…not for my soul anyway.

I am reminded of Jesus’ call to my weary heart which you know so well. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

No matter what your days look like, heed the call of our Precious Savior to come to him and him alone for the rest you so desperately need. Then let us remind each other and others, particularly those with the burden of conflict, that they can’t find rest in their circumstances or in “winning” or being right or their own form of justice but only in the Shepherd’s arms resting in who we are in Christ and what Christ has done for us. 

Take some time to reflect on this song, particularly the first verse (though I prefer my church's version with a little ukulele):

"O soul, are you wearied and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see.

There's light for a look at the Savior.

And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace."