Called to Rest

Recently I was speaking at an event in Nashville. The team that brought me out put me up in an amazing hotel. Like, fancy. Too fancy for a guy born in the dusty western town of Tucson—you know, tumble weeds and saloon. (I actually grew up down the street from a saloon.)

Anyway…

I was speaking at night, so when I woke up I had all day to myself. So I got some coffee and started reading. As I sat in this beautiful, peaceful space in downtown Nashville, my type-A, driven personality rudely invaded my quiet time. I started thinking of the people I should meet with. I mean, I’m here all day and Nashville is filled with people I “should” meet with. Right?

So, like a good Christian, I paused and asked. “Lord, who should I meet with today?”

The answer was swift. Like a splash of cold water to my face. God replied with one word.

“Me.”

Jesus said that his “yoke” is easy. A yoke is literally a wooden beam that connects two working animals. It keeps their pace in step with one another. We are connected to Jesus in that way. Connected to his broad shoulders that carry the weight. We just need to trust him enough to unload our burdens on him.

It’s like the story of Martha and Mary.

The problem with Martha was not that she was working. The problem was that she was letting her work dominate her. And she was mad at the world for not working as hard as she was. Her work didn’t allow her a single moment to sit at the feet of Jesus.

You are called to rest.

Action: Pause. Breathe. Ignore the urge to jump on social media. Just be with Jesus and let him take the weight of your burdens.