Weary.  Burdened.  Fatigued.  Exhausted.

I’ve seen it in the faces around me, heard it over the phone while talking to friends.  This epidemic afflicts all of us.

Why is it so difficult to care for ourselves?  To set limits?  To rest?

Among Webster’s definitions of rest, two stand out: “(1) freedom from activity or labor; (2) peace of mind or spirit.”  Notice, without slowing down, it is more difficult to have peace of mind.

It seems so rare these days to find ideal examples of people who rest well.  In fact, many of us would like to think that we strive to live a balanced life.  I’ve heard others say they have no interest in balance (i.e rest).  But at what cost?

When we’re so driven, to the point of endless fatigue, what suffers?  Sleep?  Self-care?  Marriage?  Time with children? Creativity?  Opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections?  Friendships?  Time with God?

Why do the most meaningful things seem to be the first to go?  Why is it unacceptable to say “no” to work so as to make time for loved ones?  And what makes us deceive ourselves and others as we say, “It’s just for a season”?

Jesus invites us: “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.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Do you want rest for your soul?  We must come to Him to find it.  Lay down our goals, our work, our to-do list and be reminded in the still quiet that we are not God.  There is rest knowing that He is in control.  He longs to relieve us of our fatigue, weariness, exhaustion and burdens.

Will you come to rest?