Even with all the best intentions, our Jesse tree ornaments are still in the envelope where I stored them last year. I took them out of the Christmas box last week so that we could start the first Advent reading on Sunday. That was three, no, nearly four days ago.
It doesn’t help that the kids are in the middle of exams, soccer finals are underway, and holiday party invitations have started arriving. I feel like my head is spinning from all of the commitments and responsibilities that are looming over me.
Time is ticking away and I can’t believe it’s December already. I’m not ready for the holidays, or a new year for that matter. Like my friend Carlie, over at Lake Christian Adventure School, I really wish I could press pause.
I feel weary and burdened. Weary from trying to do too much and be too much. Burdened by the responsibilities of mommyhood, wifelihood, daughterhood, sisterhood, and all the other –hoods you can imagine.
Have you ever felt that way? Weary and burdened?
Yet, in the midst of it, I know that there’s hope. I find it in the invitation I read this morning, right there in Matthew 11:28-30.
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (v28)
Did you get that?
You’re invited!
It’s a special call to all those like me, who are weary and burdened.
This invitation trumps any holiday party invitation – no matter how popular the host, how fancy the venue, or how many ‘who’s who’ are on the guest list. This invitation comes with an offer like no other. A promise, in fact.
Jesus says, ‘come and I will give you rest in return’.
Ahh…rest! Doesn’t it sound glorious?
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. (v29)
The one extending the invitation, also offers to come alongside me. He knows what it’s like to be in my shoes. While his path doesn’t look exactly like mine, the Bible teaches me that Jesus can relate to all I am going through.  (Hebrews 4:15)
He knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed.  Having been there before, Jesus longs to teach us how to move from overburdened to overjoyed.
Tweet ThisWho better to learn from than the one who is gentle, humble, caring, and compassionate?
Plus, the kind of rest he offers, is like no other. Rest, not necessarily for our bodies, but for our souls. Rest that truly satisfies.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (v30)
Not only does Jesus promise to give us rest, he also reassures us that he won’t add more to our load. (Whew, what a relief!)
When life gets crazy like it is now and I feel like I don’t have enough time for God, I know it’s time to reassess my priorities. It might be hard to hear this, but if our time with Jesus feels like another item on our to-do list, then we’ve gone to the wrong party. Our times with God should leave us feeling refreshed, not harried. His invitation is freeing and that’s enough to make us really want to celebrate.
I’m so grateful for the scriptures that remind me slow down and find the rest my soul craves. This holiday season, I want to savour my time with the Lord.  The holiday parties will come and go, but my time with the Lord is one holiday invitation I don’t want to miss.
Your turn
How about you? Are you weary, dear friend? Do you feel overwhelmed with the burdens you’re shouldering? Why don’t you respond to Jesus’ invitation today? Lay your cares at his feet. Let him walk beside you and give you rest for your soul.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, would you be so kind and share it with a friend? We love to spread the shine and hope you would too!
Wishing  you blessings!
I’m so pleased that this post was chosen to be featured on the #100HappyDaysLinkup. Thank you, Valerie Murray!
You might also find this post linked with one or more of these amazing sites.
So many are weary right now around our nation…this post can speak to many anytime of year and not just at Christmas. Thanks for sharing the words of wisdom on Christmas in July at Party at My Place. Sharing on Instagram as many are hurting right now.
So true, Michelle. My heart feels heavy with news of hatred, unforgiveness and lack of love. This message of hope is what gets me through. Thanks for spreading the shine!
Great post! Thank you so much for linking up with Worshipful Living! Hope to see you this week!
It’s my pleasure, Mandy. Thanks for stopping by and sharing some love. Wishing you blessings this Christmas season.
It happens a lot this time of year it’s busiest time where everyone wants to celebrate, catch up and all the obligations of running a famliy, a house, work and the holidays have to take from us too. I always feel like that leading up the big ho ho ho day. Then can relax between xmas and new year and unwind from it all hopefully. Thank you ever so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Jenny, you’re right, this time of year it can feel like we have WAAAYYY too much going on. Thankfully we can choose to slow down and rest from it all. I’ve enjoyed visiting #sharewithme and I’m glad you stopped by. Wishing you a *restful* and joyful holiday season!
I loved this post Marva! I am featuring it as my spotlight post on #100HappyDays. I’m learning to accept Christ’s invitation to rest, even when my life is super busy and my to-do list is overwhelming.
Oh, Valerie, how you’ve blessed me! I am completely humbled that you would choose my post as your feature. That is so very kind and generous of you. I’m glad this post spoke to you and now I know we have something else in common –our need to rest and rely on God for our strength. Sending you blessings and lots of sparkle, dear friend!
I love His invitation to rest. He is able to provide this so abundantly. 😉
Mary, you are so correct. Jesus offers rest in abundance! If only we would simply accept it instead of running all over and wearing ourselves down. I’m so glad you stopped by and I wish you a *restful* holiday season.
Lol, I’m with Lori! I have a problem taking over the parties I’m invited to. I do love these verses reminding us to find our rest in Jesus Christ. With six kids, I’m often overworked and exhausted and if I’m not careful, find myself accepting invitations I don’t need to attend. Not because they’re bad, but because our plates are full with other activities. I enjoy slowing down at Christmas and celebrating how the birth of one baby changed the world. Thank you for sharing!
Hey Amanda, taking over the party is a popular thing isn’t it? Too bad I can relate. 🙂 I can’t imagine the level of exhaustion that comes with six kids! I pray that you will be wise in the choices you make this holiday season so that you can truly enjoy your time with them. Sending you blessings and lots of sparkle to go around!
Hi Marva,
Thank you for such a sweet reminder. When life gets prickly, it’s so refreshing to remember that he walks right alongside us. May God grant me the faith to accept His offer of rest day-by-day, minute-by-minute. And thanks for mentioning my post – that’s so kind of you.
Hi Carlie, your post about “Pause’ really spoke to me and it was my pleasure to share it. Yes, I sure do need that reminder that God is by my side, every minute of the day! Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by. Wishing you holiday blessings!
Hi Marva, I am so thankful for His invitation! I tend to accept the invitation but then try to take over the party quite frequently! Ha! Praying that this season I let Him lead the party and I rest in His lead:-) Thank you for a beautiful post!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
That’s funny, Lori. Now that you mention it I think I do that too! No more trying to be the host, I’ve just got to enjoy the party. Thanks for sharing that insight and for your faithful support. I appreciate you!