28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
It’s been a long winter. You would think that living in Ohio we would come to expect the unpredictable snowfalls of spring, yet the Midwestern optimism in us will never concede the point of a finicky weather system. Many of us find winter to be burdensome. Our heads hang a little lower, our sighs linger a little longer. In an Ohio winter, it feels like the world is conspiring against you in every conceivable way. The cynic in us sees it as a perfect metaphor for life. Yet, our faith has the opportunity for even greater on the job training in seasons like these. Patience, steadfastness, anger control, all are spiritual fruits of a long and unpredictable winter season.
When Jesus gives rest, it is eternal. Unlike the changing seasons of our life and world, His shoulders are broad enough to carry our burdens and frustrations. His grace breaks through the biting air to give us the new breath of spring. Like a loving Father, He wishes to lavish our weary souls with rest and restoration. He was once like us, beaten by the mundane daily routines and absurd headlines of His time. He continually reached out to above for rest and found it in great supply.
Today, find your spring. Breath in the renewing air of a future warmth. Enjoy the rare days of sun soaked radiance and rest in a God who gives good gifts. Work hard to rest easy.
Matt simon blog 