Echoes and Stars

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Jesus

That was our call to worship yesterday. And with the world swirling around me, it’s all I needed. Though I did not chafe against any of it, the rest of the service wasn’t really needed.

The offer of rest was a welcome one.

Living in the unpredictable wake of moving into a job in which I do not yet feel comfortable has left me feeling the thinness of my own skin. Corporate culture is different from what I’m used to. Not bad, just different.

There is no need to feel sorry for me. Actually I’m appreciative in the midst of this. I can get pretty wrapped up in my world but I’m aware there are many who did not really have the choice I did. I moved toward the things I’m struggling to understand and do well.

I drive approximately 5 minutes to a job I lunged for. But I pass so many each morning mired in their cubicles and positions. You can see the fire flickering out at traffic lights everywhere. Hurrying to a place they have very little desire to occupy, they sigh in so many words…

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,…”

So, I know. I know there are others who are laboring under heavier yokes than me. But I love Jesus’ words as one who has the world swirling around him and wants it all to slow down. A moment for a peaceful soul is the order of the day.

As we inch – speed closer to Christmas day I feel the tug of the rest promised. A rest promised for restless hearts and worried minds. A rest for the tired and weary. And a double rest for the confused and languishing.

As I type this I sit under the stars, everyone a sermon. Every one is a reminder of the One announced by a star. The Gentle One for all those who have been banged up by life. And death. The One with a lowly heart for restless ones.

Though the world swirls around us all.