“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

Weary?  Check.  Burdened?  Check.  How about a few synonyms…fatigued?  Check.  Exhausted?  Check.  Running on empty?  Many feel like a car starting to convulse when the last drops of gas are drained from tank.  This summer has seen many family vacations cancelled due to our present crisis.  Cruises and tours, family reunions and trips to Disney World have been put on hold for some time in the future.  But there is still a need for rest.

As Christians we find rest in Christ present for us in His Word.  Daily time in the Word and weekly worship provide rest for souls burdened by the heavy yoke of life in a fallen world.  However, our Lord also affords us with the blessing and gift from rest from our labors.  For after He had created all things, He sets for us an example by resting on the seventh day.    During these trying times many have worked more than seven days straight without a time of rest.  Now is not the time for self-importance.  Our Lord was at work through His Word before He called you into His service and He will continue to accomplish what He intends after you are gone.  For now He invites you to trust that He will provide for His people even as He provides for you while you rest.

Church workers are not superheroes.  They are human beings who bleed, who get tired and frustrated.  Taking days off and vacation time does not mean you are letting down those you serve.  Rather, it is clinging to the promises of God and rejoicing in His gifts.  So take some time to rest.  Whether it is with a bicycle or a book, a fishing rod or a hot rod, my hope is that you will be blest with rest!

Prayer— O God, give us times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life.  Grant that we may use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds that we may be opened to the goodness of Your creation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan