Maybe the flight was rough or the traffic was bumper-to-bumper. Maybe the kids are screaming and fighting instead of being all smiles and happy to be going somewhere. Maybe the hotel room is not as clean as it should be or the restaurant food is kind of gross.
Or perhaps your own job stresses will not leave your brain no matter how much you tell yourself this is supposed to be your down time. What then?
When You Can't Relax
I'm reminded of a time when Jesus told his disciples, "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." (Matthew 11:28-29 NRSV) Rest for your souls. Don't all of us need that?
A friend of mine recently told me to be gentle with myself. And my husband always tells me I'm too hard on myself. Then I noticed in the scripture verse above that Jesus says He himself is gentle (to those who are His own). In Him we can find rest for our souls. I guess I'd forgotten Jesus had said that. In today's vernacular, Jesus would say, "Relax. I've got this." But I kind of like the way Matthew said it better.
So next time you are weary and carrying heavy burdens-- when life gets too hard-- go to Jesus. Learn from Him. And He will give you rest for your soul. Rest, my friends. Rest in Jesus.
