Weary

“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. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Weary. Burdened. That describes this morning. As is so often the case, it’s the little things that cause the weariness and burdens. This whole virus thing – either we’ll live or we’ll die. What’s the big deal? We may as well live until we die, but some of us get all wrapped up in trying to ensure that not only do we survive, and they survive, but that they can pat themselves on the back for having saved the human race. As if we really have anything to say in that matter. But the little things. They get us every time.

This isn’t meant to suggest a fatalistic or nihilistic perspective is the best choice. Instead, it’s about turning our focus to something that gives energy instead of taking it. It’s about casting off the burden and living, not unaware, not unaffected, not even unconcerned, but uncontrolled. We can wear a mask and not be burdened. We can maintain social distance and not be wearied. 

There are other things. We can hold jobs we hate and not let the hatred eat our souls. We can be single, or married, or widowed, or divorced, and not despair. No matter what our circumstances, we can … we can. And yet so often, when we least expect it, something within us …just…can’t, and so often, it’s the little things that seem to become enormous.

Dallas Willard tells us that we are infinitely needy, which means that the something in us that says it can’t is right, But we try. And we grow weary, carrying this burden of failure. And Jesus says that the solution is the same old tune – turning to Him instead of separating from Him.