Taking a Real RestSample

Reflection

It’s such a relief when someone sees us stressing and struggling and asks, “Hey, can I do that for you? Can I show you another way that will make things easier?”

A yoke is a wooden crosspiece bound to the necks of a pair of oxen that enables them to pull together, to literally lighten the load. It makes things, especially heavy things, so much easier to carry.

If you have a dog, you know a walk can go two ways. One: The dog straining and pulling on the leash and no one is enjoying it. Two: the dog listens to its owner and lets him lead. the walk goes much better and the dog can obey because he trusts and loves his owner. Well, same for us: we are not our own. We were bought with a price, a huge price, and our master is humble and good. It is completely safe to follow his lead.

I used to think all this yoke-taking was a giving in, a giving up – now I see it’s much more a ‘getting’. Jesus is, very patiently, giving me that other, better way – and all I have to do is follow. So much less exhausting.

Are you also sometimes straining and striving rather than just following? What might you let go of?

Prayer

Father, help me drop my worries, bow down, take up your yoke, and follow you. Do things your way. If you can order galaxies, I’m pretty sure you can order me. Help me stop being restless and rest more in you.