Rest

Have you ever thought that common sense is just not that …common?

Do you remember the news story from a few years ago about the woman who sued McDonalds after spilling coffee on herself? Apparently the coffee was hot! Now when a similar beverage is purchased, the take-out cup bears the warning that “contents may be hot!”

I found some other examples of warnings that have appeared on various products.

RCA TV Remote: Not Dishwasher Safe.

Iron: Never Iron Clothes While Wearing.

Chainsaw: Do Not Attempt to Stop Chainsaw With Hands.

Hairdryer: Do Not Use While Taking A Shower.

It worries me a bit that some of these warning labels may exist out of necessity. Has someone really tried to iron their clothes while wearing them…or put the remote in the dishwasher…or tried to stop a chainsaw with their hands?

Sometimes we do need to be told that there is a way to avoid bringing harm to ourselves. With summer arriving (hopefully!) there are things to watch out for …excessive heat and sunburn for example. We are reminded to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, or wear a hat. We wouldn’t need those reminders every year if we didn’t have summer. The reminders exist because there is a need.

Jesus said “Come to me, all who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt.11:28)

Have you ever felt like somehow you dropped the ball if you needed to take a rest…that maybe that it’s just a sign of weakness? Do you have the idea that you should be able to carry on indefinitely because after all "I can do all things…" And yet, Jesus said… "I will give you rest." …You would almost think that he knew we would need rest!

We do live in a culture that can tend to view rest with suspicion. We pile activity on top of activity. Even our leisure time becomes activity based. How many people have you heard say that they needed a rest after their vacation?

Sometimes life just leaves us ‘weary and burdened’…but rest is available…made available because the one who knows us completely knows that we need it.

Don’t let your summer go by without rest.

Don’t live your life without rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” (Matt. 11:28, 29)

Ruth