After a week of late afternoon
thundershowers resulting in travel over puddled roads, a sunny Sunday seemed
like the time for a needed car wash. As I pulled inside, two texts beeped
on my phone. This was perfect timing in the busy-ness of life as I had an
extra quiet moment to read, reflect and to care. Suddenly open to the concerns
of a friend, I promised to hold the situation up in prayer at church.
There, I became mindful of God’s gift to us during the Gospel reading.
“Come to me, all you that
are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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)
Handel included this in
his oratorio “Messiah” to keep listeners mindful that those who trust in Jesus
Christ find peace and rest. A familiar verse, in a new
crisis, made me mindful in further understanding the generous, vast love of
Christ for us; we were made for infinite bliss and companionship with God. Desiring that a friend experience those benefits, I wrote: “Some of my most weary days, during which I
carried heavy burdens, have been while caregiving in a hospital. Although
your text is full of a positive spirit and hope, undoubtedly you are
experiencing a plethora of emotions and thoughts. May the gentleness of Christ give you rest
today. I have just felt His gentleness in the sequence of your message
and the reading of these ancient, powerful words. For me, they are as
needed, cleansing and refreshing as the car wash. May they richly bless
you and your husband.”
